Refrigerator and partition plate

Abstract

Provided is a refrigerator in which the temperatures of three accommodation chambers can be set separately. A refrigerator (1) is provided with: a main body (3) having a first housing chamber (8L), a second housing chamber (8M) adjacent to the first housing chamber (8M) with a first heat-insulating wall (P1) therebetween, and a third housing chamber (8R) adjacent to the second housing chamber (8M) with a second heat-insulating wall (P2) therebetween; a cover body (6) configured so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body (3); a cooling mechanism (41) configured so as to be able to cool the first housing chamber (8L), the second housing chamber (8M), and the third housing chamber (8R), respectively; a setting unit 60 configured so as to be able to set a first set temperature L of the first housing chamber 8L, a second set temperature M of the second housing chamber 8M, and a third set temperature R of the third housing chamber 8R, respectively; and a control unit 81 configured to control the cooling mechanism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator and a partition board. Background Art

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses: a refrigerator that divides a storage chamber into two chambers using one partition board, and a refrigerator that divides a storage chamber into three chambers using two partition boards. The refrigerator has a valve that branches one flow path into two (hereinafter, "one-in-two-out valve") or a valve that branches one flow path into three (hereinafter, "one-in-three-out valve"). The partition board can be divided vertically and can be loaded and unloaded with respect to the storage chamber.

[0003] Prior Art Documents

[0004] Patent Documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: International Publication No. 2022 / 172775 Summary of the Invention

[0006] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] In order to cool multiple storage chambers, it is necessary to provide a valve in a refrigerant pipe provided according to the number of storage chambers, but the valve causes an increase in cost price. Although the one-in-three-out valve can output refrigerant to one flow path, it cannot output refrigerant to two or more flow paths at the same time, so it is difficult to cool three chambers at the same time. In addition, since the one-in-three-out valve is expensive, it causes an increase in cost price.

[0008] The vertically divisible partition board can be selectively installed only the lower partition board or both the upper and lower partition boards according to the purpose. In the case of installing only the lower partition board, the storage chamber can be used as a simple partition without being divided. In the case of installing both the upper and lower partition boards, the storage chamber can be divided to have different temperatures, for example, one of them can be set as a refrigerating chamber and the other as a freezing chamber. The user switches the operation of controlling between the one-chamber mode and the two-chamber mode according to the installation state of the partition board.

[0009] The present inventors have recognized the following problems.

[0010] ·First problem... To provide a refrigerator capable of individually setting the temperatures of three storage chambers.

[0011] ·Second problem... To provide a refrigerator capable of cooling multiple chambers at the same time.

[0012] ·Third problem... To provide a refrigerator capable of suppressing the cost of the valve and capable of quickly cooling any one of multiple storage chambers.

[0013] ·Fourth problem: Provide a refrigerator that can be provided with a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment without using a valve.

[0014] ·Fifth problem: Provide a partition that can detect the installation state on the refrigerator side, and a refrigerator that can detect the installation state of the partition.

[0015] ·Sixth problem: Provide a refrigerator with good operability.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to solve at least any one of the first to sixth problems described above.

[0017] Technical means for solving the problem

[0018] The refrigerator of the first invention is a refrigerator including: a main body having a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber adjacent to the first storage chamber with a first heat insulating wall interposed therebetween, and a third storage chamber adjacent to the second storage chamber with a second heat insulating wall interposed therebetween; a lid configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body; a cooling mechanism configured to be able to cool the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber individually; a setting unit configured to be able to set a first set temperature of the first storage chamber, a second set temperature of the second storage chamber, and a third set temperature of the third storage chamber individually; and a control unit configured to control the cooling mechanism, wherein the refrigerator is characterized in that the control unit is configured to control the change of the set temperature based on the setting unit so that a first set temperature difference between the first set temperature and the second set temperature is within a first specified value, and a second set temperature difference between the second set temperature and the third set temperature is within a second specified value. The refrigerator of the second invention is a refrigerator including: a main body having a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber adjacent to the first storage chamber with a first heat insulating wall interposed therebetween, and a third storage chamber adjacent to the second storage chamber with a second heat insulating wall interposed therebetween; a lid configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body; a cooling mechanism configured to be able to cool the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber individually; a setting unit configured to be able to set a first set temperature of the first storage chamber, a second set temperature of the second storage chamber, and a third set temperature of the third storage chamber individually; and a control unit configured to control the cooling mechanism, wherein the refrigerator is characterized in that the setting unit is configured to be able to set the first set temperature, the second set temperature, and the third set temperature only within a range that satisfies the relationship of the first set temperature ≥ the second set temperature ≥ the third set temperature or satisfies the relationship of the first set temperature ≤ the second set temperature ≤ the third set temperature.

[0019] The refrigerator of the third invention is a refrigerator characterized by comprising: a main body having a storage chamber; a lid body capable of opening and closing relative to the main body; and a cooling mechanism for cooling the storage chamber. In the main body, a partition can be installed. When the partition is installed in the main body, the storage chamber is divided into a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, and the partition can be divided into an upper partition and a lower partition. The main body has a sensor for detecting the case where the upper partition is installed. The refrigerator of the fourth invention is a refrigerator characterized by comprising: a cooling mechanism; a storage chamber cooled by the cooling mechanism and capable of being divided into a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber and a third storage chamber by two detachable partitions; a first refrigerant pipe, a second refrigerant pipe and a third refrigerant pipe for the refrigerant output by the cooling mechanism to flow; a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism; and a partition detection unit connected to the control unit, and the control unit switches the control according to the detection result of the partition detection unit. The partition of the fifth invention is a partition that can be detachably installed in the storage chamber of the refrigerator and divides the storage chamber. The partition is characterized by comprising: an engaging portion that slidably engages with a track provided in the storage chamber; and a magnet provided in the engaging portion.

[0020] The present invention can also be expressed as "electrical equipment" or "cooling and heating box", etc. The articles expressed in this way are also effective as the forms of the present invention.

[0021] Effects of the invention

[0022] Through the first invention and the second invention, at least the first problem can be solved.

[0023] Through the third invention, the fourth invention and the fifth invention, at least one of the fifth problem and the sixth problem can be solved. Description of the drawings

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 in a state where the first lid body 6 is opened.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 when viewed from another direction.

[0027] Figure 4 is a front view of the refrigerator 1.

[0028] Figure 5 ​​​​​(A) is a perspective view of the metal plates 16L, 16M, and 16R that form the wall surface of the storage chamber 8 of the refrigerator 1. (B) is a perspective view of the partition plates P1 and P2 that divide the storage chamber 8. (C) is a perspective view omitting one side in the thickness direction of the partition plates P1 and P2. (D) is a perspective view of the rail 18 that serves as a guide for the partition plates P1 and P2. (E) is a perspective view of the rail 18 when viewed from another direction.

[0029] Figure 6 (A) is an external view of the setting unit 60 of the refrigerator 1. (B) is a table for explaining the temperature difference limit between compartments when the storage chamber 8 is divided into three compartments. (C) is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 61 in the three-compartment mode. (D) is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the partition plates P1 and P2 corresponding to the three-compartment mode. (E) is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 61 in the two-compartment mode B. (F) is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the partition plates P1 and P2 corresponding to the two-compartment mode B. (G) is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 61 in the two-compartment mode A. (H) is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the partition plates P1 and P2 corresponding to the two-compartment mode A. (I) is a diagram showing a display example of the display unit 61 in the one-compartment mode. (J) is a schematic diagram showing the installation state of the partition plates P1 and P2 corresponding to the one-compartment mode.

[0030] Figure 7 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1.

[0031] Figure 8 is a table summarizing the combined states of cooling and stopping of the three compartments of the refrigerator 1, the operating states of the compressor 41 corresponding to each state, whether each state can be executed under the installation states of the partition plates P1 and P2, and the opening / closing (on / off) of the valves V1 and V2 corresponding to each state.

[0032] Figure 9 is a circuit block diagram of the refrigerator 1.

[0033] Figure 10 is a graph showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of the valves V1 and V2 and the temperature changes in each compartment when operating the refrigerator 1 in the three-compartment mode with the set temperature of each compartment set to -18°C.

[0034] Figure 11 is a graph showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of the valves V1 and V2 and the temperature changes in each compartment when operating the refrigerator 1 in the three-compartment mode with the set temperatures of the compartments set to -18°C, -5°C, and 10°C in sequence from the left compartment.

[0035] Figure 12 ​​​​​​​is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator of Comparative Example 1.

[0036] Figure 13 is a graph showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of valve V3 and the temperature changes in each compartment when operating with the set temperature of each compartment set to -18 °C in the three-compartment mode of the refrigerator of Comparative Example 1.

[0037] Figure 14 (A) is a flowchart of the mode selection and temperature setting switching corresponding to the installation status of partition P1 and partition P2 of refrigerator 1. (B) is a flowchart when waiting for the user's operation and entering the temperature setting switching routine (S15) in Figure 14 (A).

[0038] Figure 15 is Figure 14 (A) flowchart of the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0039] Figure 16 is Figure 15 flowchart of the temperature setting reading routine (S60).

[0040] Figure 17 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 18 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of refrigerator 1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 19 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of refrigerator 1C according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 20 is a graph showing an example of the temperature changes in each compartment when operating with valve V7 opened (turned on) in refrigerator 1C.

[0044] Figure 21 is a graph showing an example of the temperature changes in each compartment when operating while repeatedly opening / closing (on / off) valve V7 in refrigerator 1C.

[0045] Figure 22 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator of Comparative Example 2.

[0046] Figure 23 is a graph showing an example of the temperature changes in each compartment when operating while repeatedly opening / closing the a-side outlet and the b-side outlet of valve V8 in the refrigerator of Comparative Example 2. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0047] (Embodiment 1)Figures 1 to 16 Refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The refrigerator 1 is configured as a portable cooling and heating box having cooling and heating functions. By Figures 1 to 4 , the front-rear, up-down, and left-right directions orthogonal to each other of the refrigerator 1 are defined. The front-rear direction is the depth direction (short side direction) of the refrigerator 1, the left-right direction is the width direction (long side direction) of the refrigerator 1, and the up-down direction is the height direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0048] The refrigerator 1 includes a main body 2. The main body 2 has a first main body portion 3 and a second main body portion 4 different from the first main body portion 3. The first main body portion 3 and the second main body portion 4 are arranged in the left-right direction. The second main body portion 4 is located outside and to the right of the first main body portion 3.

[0049] The first main body portion 3 has a left outer box 12. The left outer box 12 is a resin molded body such as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with an open upper portion, and constitutes the outer shell of the first main body portion 3. The second main body portion 4 has a right outer box 13. The right outer box 13 is a resin molded body such as a substantially rectangular parallelepiped with an open upper portion and a left portion, and constitutes the outer shell of the second main body portion 4. The right outer box 13 is fixed to the right side surface of the left outer box 12 and integrated by means of screw fixation or the like.

[0050] The main body 2 has a main frame 11. The main frame 11 is a resin molded body, for example. The main frame 11 is a frame body spanning the upper portions of the first main body portion 3 and the second main body portion 4, and has opening portions corresponding to the first main body portion 3 and the second main body portion 4, respectively.

[0051] The refrigerator 1 includes a lid body 5. The lid body 5 is provided on the upper portion of the main body 2 and is openable and closable with respect to the main body 2. The lid body 5 has: a first lid body 6 for opening and closing the first main body portion 3; and a second lid body 7 for opening and closing the second main body portion 4.

[0052] As Figure 3 shown, the first lid body 6 is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the main frame 11 by means of a first hinge mechanism 25. As Figure 1 and so on shown, the first lid body 6 has a handle portion 6a. The user rotates the handle portion 6a of the first lid body 6 in the closed state shown in Figure 1 forward, thereby releasing the locking of the first lid body 6 to the main frame 11, and directly holds the handle portion 6a to open the first lid body 6 as Figure 2 shown.

[0053] As Figure 3 shown, the second lid body 7 is rotatably connected to the rear portion of the main frame 11 by means of a second hinge mechanism 26. As Figure 1As shown in the figure, the second lid 7 has a handle portion 7a. By rotating the handle portion 7a of the second lid 7 in the closed state upward, the user releases the locking of the second lid 7 and directly holds the handle portion 7a to open the second lid 7 (illustration omitted). When the second lid 7 is opened, it is possible to access a battery pack housing portion (not shown), and the battery packs 29a and 29b, which are the power sources of the refrigerator 1, can be loaded and unloaded. Figure 9 )

[0054] The refrigerator 1 includes a pair of left and right handle portions 21, and also includes a plurality (for example, four) of feet 35 as grounding portions at the bottom. The user can hold the left and right handle portions 21 and lift the refrigerator 1 to move the refrigerator 1.

[0055] The refrigerator 1 has casters 19 and a detachable handle (carry handle) 20. The casters 19 are respectively provided at the front and rear of the lower right portion of the main body 2. The rotation axis direction of the casters 19 is parallel to the left and right direction. The detachable handle 20 is rotatably provided on the left side surface of the main body 2. The rotation axis direction of the detachable handle 20 is parallel to the left and right direction. By rotating the detachable handle 20 upward and holding the detachable handle 20 to lift the left portion of the main body 2 from the ground, the user can move the refrigerator 1 using the casters 19.

[0056] The refrigerator 1 has a universal serial bus (USB) terminal 27A and a cigar socket 27B at the upper part of the front surface of the second main body portion 4, and includes an external power input terminal 28 at the lower part of the right side surface of the second main body portion 4. The refrigerator 1 can supply direct current 5V to a device (hereinafter, “USB-connected device”) connected to the USB terminal 27A. In addition, in the illustrated example, the USB terminal 27A has one connection port each for Type-A and Type-C.

[0057] The cigar socket 27B is an example of an external output portion. The refrigerator 1 can supply direct current 12V to an external device (hereinafter, also expressed as “cigar socket-connected device”) connected to the cigar socket 27B.

[0058] The external power input terminal 28 is an example of an external power connection portion, and can alternatively connect a vehicle-mounted power source and an alternating current adapter (AC Adapter). The refrigerator 1 can input direct current power from the outside via the external power input terminal 28. The refrigerator 1 operates using the direct current power or the power of the battery packs 29a and 29b. The battery packs 29a and 29b can be detachably installed in a power tool or an electric working machine and can supply power. The rated output voltage of the battery packs 29a and 29b is, for example, 18V.

[0059] As Figure 4 shown, the refrigerator 1 has a fan 49 inside the right outer case 13. The fan 49 generates fan air for cooling the compressor 41 or the condenser 42, Figure 7 which appears in Figure 9 the control circuit board 80, etc. An air inlet 23 for sucking in the fan air is provided on the front surface of the right outer case 13. An air outlet 24 for discharging the fan air is provided on the back surface of the right outer case 13. The fan air flows in the front-rear direction from the air inlet 23 toward the air outlet 24. In addition, the front-rear relationship of the air intake / discharge may be reversed.

[0060] As Figure 2 shown, the first main body 3 has a storage chamber (storage part) 8. The storage chamber 8 has a left chamber 8L as the first storage chamber, a middle chamber 8M as the second storage chamber, and a right chamber 8R as the third storage chamber. The left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are adjacent to each other and are divided (separated) by a detachable partition P1. The middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are adjacent to each other and are divided (separated) by a detachable partition P2. The partition P1 corresponds to the first partition, and the partition P2 corresponds to the second partition. The volume of the right chamber 8R is approximately equal to the sum of the volumes of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M.

[0061] The first main body 3 has Figure 5 metal plates 16L, 16M, 16R such as aluminum shown in (A) as inner wall members of the storage chamber 8. When viewed from the up-down direction respectively, the metal plates 16L and 16R are U-shaped. The metal plate 16M is a pair of substantially flat plates facing each other in the front-rear direction. The metal plate 16L forms the side surface of the left chamber 8L. The metal plate 16M forms the side surface of the middle chamber 8M. The metal plate 16R forms the side surface of the right chamber 8R. Around each of the metal plates 16L, 16M, 16R, there are provided Figure 7 the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, 45R which appear in

[0062] The first main body 3 has rails 18 ( Figure 5 (D), (E)) for guiding the attachment / detachment of the partitions P1 and P2. The rails 18 are respectively provided at two gaps between the metal plates 16L and 16M, and at two gaps between the metal plates 16M and 16R. The rails 18 also have the function of connecting the metal plates 16L, 16M, 16R. The rails 18 are fixed to the main frame 11 by screws (not shown).

[0063] The metal plate 16L, the metal plate 16M, the metal plate 16R, and the rail 18 that are combined with each other are inserted into, from above, a bottom member (not shown) that is, for example, a resin molded body, and together with the bottom member, form an inner box of the first main body portion 3. Between the inner box and the left outer box 12, an insulating material (not shown), such as urethane foam, is filled. Since the insulating material hardens after being filled, it also has the function of fixing the inner box with respect to the left outer box 12 and further fixing the main frame 11.

[0064] As Figure 5 (D) shows, each rail 18 has a recess 18a (groove) into which the side portion 73 of the partition P1 or the partition P2 can be slidably fitted. Figure 5 (E) shows an example of the partition detection sensor 18b, which is a sensor (magnetic sensor) for detecting whether the partition P1 or the partition P2 is installed, and is provided behind the recess 18a. It is sufficient to have one partition detection sensor 18b for each of the partitions P1 and P2, so it is only necessary to provide it in two of the four rails 18. The partition detection sensor 18b is connected to Figure 9 the microcomputer 81 shown.

[0065] As Figure 5 (B) shows, the partitions P1 and P2 are formed by combining an upper partition 71 and a lower partition 72 that can be separated from each other. The upper partition 71 and the lower partition 72 each have an insulating material (not shown) in the internal space. When the partitions P1 and P2 are combined with each other and installed in the main body 2 (accommodation chamber 8), they function as an insulating material (insulating wall) between the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R. When the lower partition 72 is installed alone in the accommodation chamber 8 without being combined with the upper partition 71, it functions as a scattering prevention wall (simple partition) for preventing the scattering of the objects accommodated in the accommodation chamber 8.

[0066] The upper partition 71 has magnets 74 (permanent magnets) respectively on the inner sides of the lower parts of the two opposite side portions 73. The magnetic field generated by the magnets 74 is detected by the partition detection sensor 18b on the rail 18 side. The side portion 73 is an engaging portion that slidably engages with the rail 18.

[0067] The refrigerator 1 includes a setting unit 60. The setting unit 60 is provided at the upper right front end of the main body 2 and faces the front upper direction. The user can separately set the temperatures of the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R through the setting unit 60.

[0068] As Figure 6As shown in (A), the setting unit 60 includes: a display unit 61, a temperature setting button 62, a temperature setting button 63, a chamber selection button 64, a power button 65, a USB device power supply switching button 66, and a cigarette lighter socket power supply switching button 68. The operations of each button are transmitted to the microcomputer 81.

[0069] The display unit 61 includes: a battery level display unit 61a, an external power supply connection display unit 61b, a USB device power supply display unit 61c, a cigarette lighter socket power supply display unit 61g, a left chamber temperature display unit 61L, a middle chamber temperature display unit 61M, and a right chamber temperature display unit 61R. The display performed by the display unit 61 is controlled by Figure 9 the microcomputer 81 shown.

[0070] The battery status display unit 61a displays Figure 9 the status of the battery packs 29a and 29b installed in the battery assembly unit 22a as shown in. The external power supply connection display unit 61b lights up when DC power is input from the outside via the external power supply input terminal 28, and goes out otherwise. The USB device power supply display unit 61c lights up when charging power is supplied to the USB-connected device, and goes out otherwise. The cigarette lighter socket power supply display unit 61g lights up when power (direct current (DC) 12V) is supplied to the cigarette lighter socket-connected device or when DC 12V is output to the cigarette lighter socket 27B, and goes out otherwise.

[0071] The left chamber temperature display unit 61L displays the set temperature or the current temperature of the left chamber 8L. The middle chamber temperature display unit 61M displays the set temperature or the current temperature of the middle chamber 8M. The right chamber temperature display unit 61R displays the set temperature or the current temperature of the right chamber 8R. For example, the set temperature is displayed by flashing, and the current temperature is displayed by lighting, so that the set temperature and the current temperature can be distinguished and displayed on the same display unit.

[0072] The temperature setting button 62 and the temperature setting button 63 are operation units for switching the set temperature of the target chamber. For example, if the temperature setting button 62 is pressed, the set temperature decreases by 5°C, and if the temperature setting button 63 is pressed, the set temperature increases by 5°C. For example, the initial set temperature is 10°C, the maximum set temperature is 60°C, and the minimum set temperature is -18°C.

[0073] The chamber selection button 64 is an operation unit for switching the chamber that is the object of the temperature setting performed by the temperature setting button 62 and the temperature setting button 63. The power button 65 is an operation unit for the user to switch the start and stop of the refrigerator 1. The USB device power supply switching button 66 is an operation unit for the user to switch whether to supply power (DC 5V) to the USB-connected device. The cigarette lighter socket power supply switching button 68 is an operation unit for the user to switch whether to supply power (DC 12V) to the cigarette lighter socket-connected device.

[0074] In the refrigerator 1, control is performed such that the set temperature difference between adjacent chambers is within a specified value. This takes into account the limit of the maximum temperature difference between the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R that can be achieved by the heat insulation effect brought about by the partition plates P1 and P2. As an example, Figure 6 (B) represents the case where the set temperature difference between the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M and the set temperature difference between the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are both within 40°C. Additionally, Figure 6 (B) represents the case where only temperature settings can be made such that the set temperature L of the left chamber 8L, the set temperature M of the middle chamber 8M, and the set temperature R of the right chamber 8R satisfy the relationship L≧M≧R or L≦M≦R ( Figure 6 (the "temperature limit in one direction" in (B)). Furthermore, in Figure 6 (B), the set temperature L and the set temperature M represent the determined set values, and the set temperature R represents the temperature range that can be set corresponding to the determined set temperature L and the set temperature M.

[0075] The refrigerator 1 has a function of detecting the installation state of the partition plates P1 and P2 and automatically switching the mode.

[0076] As Figure 6 (D) shows, when both the partition plates P1 and P2 are installed, it becomes a three-chamber mode. In the three-chamber mode, as Figure 6 (C) shows, partition lines 61h are respectively displayed between the left chamber temperature display section 61L and the middle chamber temperature display section 61M, and between the middle chamber temperature display section 61M and the right chamber temperature display section 61R, and the set temperatures of the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R can be respectively set. In the three-chamber mode, by setting the set temperature of any one or two chambers to "none", it is also possible to neither cool nor heat the said chamber. The operation for setting the set temperature to "none" is, for example, pressing the temperature setting button 62 at the lowest set temperature or pressing the temperature setting button 63 at the highest set temperature.

[0077] As Figure 6 (F) shows, when only the partition plate P1 is installed, it becomes a two-chamber mode B. In the two-chamber mode B, as Figure 6As shown in (E), a partition line 61h is displayed between the left chamber temperature display section 61L and the middle chamber temperature display section 61M, and no partition line 61h is displayed between the middle chamber temperature display section 61M and the right chamber temperature display section 61R. In the two-chamber mode B, the temperature of the left chamber 8L can be set independently, but the set temperatures of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are common. In the two-chamber mode B, the set temperatures of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R can also be displayed on the right chamber temperature display section 61R. In the two-chamber mode B, by setting the set temperature of any one of the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R to "none", neither cooling nor heating is performed on any of them.

[0078] As Figure 6 shown in (H), when only the partition P2 is installed, the two-chamber mode A is formed. In the two-chamber mode A, as Figure 6 shown in (G), no partition line 61h is displayed between the left chamber temperature display section 61L and the middle chamber temperature display section 61M, and a partition line 61h is displayed between the middle chamber temperature display section 61M and the right chamber temperature display section 61R. In the two-chamber mode A, the temperature of the right chamber 8R can be set independently, but the set temperatures of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are common. In the two-chamber mode A, the set temperatures of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M can also be displayed on the left chamber temperature display section 61L. In the two-chamber mode A, by setting the set temperature of any one of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R to "none", neither cooling nor heating is performed on any of them.

[0079] As Figure 6 shown in (J), when neither the partition P1 nor the partition P2 is installed, the one-chamber mode is formed. In the one-chamber mode, no partition line 61h is displayed between the left chamber temperature display section 61L and the middle chamber temperature display section 61M, and between the middle chamber temperature display section 61M and the right chamber temperature display section 61R, and the set temperatures of the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R are common.

[0080] Figure 7 is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 includes: a compressor 41 as a cooling mechanism, a condenser 42, a capillary tube 43 (capillary tube), refrigerant pipes 45A to 45C, refrigerant pipes 45L, refrigerant pipes 45M, refrigerant pipes 45R, a valve V1, and a valve V2. The compressor 41, the condenser 42, and the capillary tube 43 are provided in the second main body portion 4.

[0081] The valves V1 and V2 are electromagnetic valves respectively. There are two flow paths that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one-in-two-out type). One of the two outlets of each of the valves V1 and V2 is distinguished as the a-side outlet and the other as the b-side outlet.

[0082] The compressor 41 has a motor, compresses the refrigerant, and outputs (ejects) it as a high-temperature and high-pressure gas. The condenser 42 releases the heat of the refrigerant output from the compressor 41 and discharges the refrigerant as a liquid. The capillary tube 43 creates resistance to the flow of the refrigerant liquefied in the condenser 42, reduces the pressure, and then sends it to the subsequent refrigerant pipe 45A. In addition, the capillary tube 43 also forms a part of the refrigerant pipe.

[0083] The refrigerant pipe 45A connects the outlet of the capillary tube 43 to the inlet of the valve V1. A refrigerant pipe 45R is connected to the a-side outlet of the valve V1. The refrigerant pipe 45B connects the b-side outlet of the valve V1 to the inlet of the valve V2. A refrigerant pipe 45M is connected to the a-side outlet of the valve V2. A refrigerant pipe 45L is connected to the b-side outlet of the valve V2. The refrigerant pipe 45L corresponds to the first refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe 45M corresponds to the second refrigerant pipe. The refrigerant pipe 45R corresponds to the third refrigerant pipe.

[0084] The refrigerant pipe 45L is provided corresponding to the left chamber 8L, the refrigerant pipe 45M is provided corresponding to the middle chamber 8M, and the refrigerant pipe 45R is provided corresponding to the right chamber 8R. The refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R respectively extend along Figure 5 the outer surfaces of the metal plates 16L, 16M, and 16R shown in (A) and merge at their tips. The refrigerant pipe 45C connects the merging portion of the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R to the inlet of the compressor 41.

[0085] The refrigerator 1 can, by controlling the valves V1 and V2, make the refrigerant flow alternately in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, make the refrigerant flow simultaneously in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, and make the refrigerant flow in any one or two of the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R.

[0086] Figure 8 It is a table summarizing the combined states of cooling and stopping of the three chambers of the refrigerator 1, the operating states of the compressor 41 corresponding to each state, whether each state can be executed under the installation conditions of the partition plates P1 and P2, and the opening / closing (on / off) of the valves V1 and V2 corresponding to each state. Figure 8 "Stopping" in this context means neither cooling nor heating is performed.

[0087] Aspect 1 is an aspect in which the left chamber 8L is cooled and the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are stopped. In Aspect 1, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 1 can be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are separated, that is, the case where only the partition P1 is installed and the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 1 cannot be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are not separated, that is, the case where neither the partition P1 nor the partition P2 is installed and the case where only the partition P2 is installed. In Aspect 1, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state).

[0088] Aspect 2 is an aspect in which the middle chamber 8M is cooled and the left chamber 8L and the right chamber 8R are stopped. In Aspect 2, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 2 can be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are separated and the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are separated, that is, the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 2 cannot be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are not separated or the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are not separated, that is, the case where neither the partition P1 nor the partition P2 is installed, the case where only the partition P2 is installed, and the case where only the partition P1 is installed. In Aspect 2, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state).

[0089] Aspect 3 is an aspect in which the right chamber 8R is cooled and the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are stopped. In Aspect 3, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 3 can be executed are the cases where the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are separated, that is, the case where only the partition P2 is installed and the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 3 cannot be executed are the cases where the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are not separated, that is, the case where neither the partition P1 nor the partition P2 is installed and the case where only the partition P1 is installed. In Aspect 3, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state).

[0090] Aspect 4 is an aspect in which the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are cooled and the right chamber 8R is stopped. In Aspect 4, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 4 can be executed are the cases where the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are separated, that is, the case where only the partition P2 is installed and the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 4 cannot be executed are the cases where the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are not separated, that is, the case where neither of the partitions P1 and P2 is installed and the case where only the partition P1 is installed. In Aspect 4, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state).

[0091] Aspect 5 is an aspect in which the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are cooled and the left chamber 8L is stopped. In Aspect 5, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 5 can be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are separated, that is, the case where only the partition P1 is installed and the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 5 cannot be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are not separated, that is, the case where neither of the partitions P1 and P2 is installed and the case where only the partition P2 is installed. In Aspect 5, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state).

[0092] Aspect 6 is an aspect in which the left chamber 8L and the right chamber 8R are cooled and the middle chamber 8M is stopped. In Aspect 6, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. The cases where Aspect 6 can be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are separated and the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are separated, that is, the case where both the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed. The cases where Aspect 6 cannot be executed are the cases where the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M are not separated or the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R are not separated, that is, the case where neither of the partitions P1 and P2 is installed, the case where only the partition P2 is installed, and the case where only the partition P1 is installed. In Aspect 6, the a-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the b-side outlet of the valve V1 is controlled to be in an open state (open state), the a-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state), and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 is controlled to be in an open state (open state).

[0093] Aspect 7 is an aspect in which the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R are all cooled. In aspect 7, the compressor 41 is in an operating state. Regardless of the installation states of the partition plates P1 and P2, aspect 7 can be executed. In aspect 7, the a-side outlet, the b-side outlet of the valve V1, the a-side outlet, and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 are all controlled to be in an open state (opened state).

[0094] Aspect 8 is an aspect in which the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R are all stopped. In aspect 8, the compressor 41 is in a stopped state. Regardless of the installation states of the partition plates P1 and P2, aspect 8 can be executed. In aspect 8, the a-side outlet, the b-side outlet of the valve V1, the a-side outlet, and the b-side outlet of the valve V2 are all controlled to be in a closed state (shut-down state).

[0095] Figure 9 It is a circuit block diagram of the refrigerator 1.

[0096] The DC power supply 90 is, for example, an AC adapter, connected to an external AC power supply (not shown), converts AC power into DC power (for example, DC 12V) and supplies it to the external power input terminal 28 of the refrigerator 1. Alternatively, the DC power supply 90 is, for example, a vehicle-mounted power supply (vehicle-mounted battery), and supplies DC power to the external power input terminal 28. The external power input terminal 28 also functions as a vehicle-mounted power supply connection part that can connect a vehicle-mounted power supply.

[0097] The compressor drive circuit 48 is provided on the side of the compressor 41, is a circuit for adjusting (changing) the rotational speed of the compressor 41, and is an example of an internal output change circuit. By changing the rotational speed of the compressor 41 using the compressor drive circuit 48, the power consumption of the compressor 41 can be changed.

[0098] The refrigerator 1 has a control circuit board 80. Although not shown in the figure, the control circuit board 80 is fixed by screws to a boss provided on the outer surface of the right side surface of the left outer box 12 (the boundary wall surface between the first main body portion 3 and the second main body portion 4), and is located in the right outer box 13 in a state substantially perpendicular to the left-right direction. That is, the control circuit board 80 is housed in the second main body portion 4. The control circuit board 80 has a function of controlling the compressor 41 and a function of controlling the charging of the battery pack 29a and the battery pack 29b. The charging here is to charge the battery pack 29a and the battery pack 29b installed in the battery pack installation portion 22a using DC power input from the outside via the external power input terminal 28.

[0099] The refrigerator 1 has a microcomputer 81 as an operation control unit, a microcomputer 82 as a charging control unit, a control power supply 83, a rotation speed setting circuit 84, a shunt resistor 85, a battery voltage detection circuit 86a, a battery voltage detection circuit 86b, a DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c, a charging circuit 88, a shunt resistor 89, a 12V output DCDC converter circuit 103 (external device voltage generation circuit), and a shunt resistor 104 in the control circuit board 80.

[0100] The microcomputers 81 and 82 function as control units for controlling the power supply to the compressor 41. The microcomputers 81 and 82 may not be independent of each other and may be a single microcomputer (microcontroller).

[0101] The control power supply 83 converts the input voltage from the DC power supply 90 or the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b into a power supply voltage (e.g., 5V) for the microcomputers 81, 82, etc., and supplies it to the microcomputers 81, 82, etc.

[0102] The battery voltage detection circuit 86a and the battery voltage detection circuit 86b respectively send detection signals corresponding to the voltages of the battery pack 29a and the battery pack 29b to the microcomputer 82. The DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c sends a detection signal corresponding to the voltage of the DC power supply 90 to the microcomputer 81.

[0103] The 12V output DCDC converter circuit 103 converts the input voltage from the DC power supply 90 or the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b into DC 12V and outputs it to the cigarette lighter socket 27B.

[0104] The microcomputer 81 controls the overall operation related to the cooling and heating of the refrigerator 1. The microcomputer 81 controls the opening / closing of the switching element Q3 provided in the current path of the compressor drive circuit 48 and controls the driving and stopping of the compressor 41. The microcomputer 81 sends a rotation speed determination signal to the compressor drive circuit 48 via the rotation speed setting circuit 84 to control the rotation speed of the compressor 41.

[0105] The microcomputer 81 receives the operation of the setting unit 60 as an electric signal and controls the display of the setting unit 60 (the display of the display unit 61). The microcomputer 81 controls the opening and closing of the valves V1 and V2 and controls the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. The microcomputer 81 uses the output signals of the partition detection sensors 18b1 and 18b2 to detect whether the partitions P1 and P2 are respectively installed, and sets it to any one of the three - chamber mode, two - chamber mode B, two - chamber mode A, and one - chamber mode according to the detection results. The partition detection sensors 18b1 and 18b2 are Figure 5The partition detection sensor 18b appearing in (E) is shown separately for the detection of partition P1 and the detection of partition P2. The microcomputer 81 is configured not to switch the output of the compressor 41 until either partition P1 or partition P2 is detected and the user sets the temperature.

[0106] The microcomputer 81 controls the on / off of the switching elements Q4, Q5, and Q6 respectively provided in the current paths of the heaters 51L, 51M, and 51R provided corresponding to the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R, and controls the driving of the heaters 51L, 51M, and 51R individually. The heaters 51L, 51M, and 51R are, for example, wire heaters, and are provided so as to cover the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R respectively.

[0107] The microcomputer 81 detects the temperatures (current temperatures) of the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R by using the output signals of the temperature sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R such as thermistors provided corresponding to the left chamber 8L, the middle chamber 8M, and the right chamber 8R.

[0108] The microcomputer 81 detects the drive current of the compressor 41 and the drive currents of the heaters 51L, 51M, and 51R by using the voltage of the shunt resistor 85. The shunt resistor 85 is a block that aggregates the resistors respectively connected in series with the switching elements Q3 to Q6. The microcomputer 81 detects the voltage of the DC power supply 90 by using the detection signal from the DC power supply voltage detection circuit 86c.

[0109] The microcomputer 81 controls the on / off of the switching element Q7 provided in the current path of the output current to the cigarette lighter socket 27B, and controls the output and stop of DC 12V to the cigarette lighter socket 27B. The switching element Q7 is an external output change circuit (external output on / off circuit) that changes the power supply to an external device. The microcomputer 81 detects the supply current to the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket by using the voltage of the shunt resistor 104 provided in the current path of the output current to the cigarette lighter socket 27B.

[0110] The microcomputer 82 controls the charging of the battery packs 29a and 29b in the refrigerator 1. The microcomputer 82 controls the charging voltage by controlling the charging circuit 88. The charging circuit 88 is a charging unit capable of charging the battery packs 29a and 29b using the supplied power from an external power source (the supplied power from the DC power source 90). According to the control of the microcomputer 82, the charging circuit 88 converts the input voltage from the DC power source 90 into the charging voltage of the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b and supplies it to the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b (charges the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b).

[0111] The microcomputer 82 controls the on / off of the switching elements Q1 and Q2 provided between the output terminal of the charging circuit 88 and the charging terminals (C+ terminals) of the battery packs 29a and 29b, and determines which of the battery packs 29a and 29b to charge. Between the switching elements Q1, Q2 and the microcomputer 82, there are connected diodes D5 and D6 for preventing reverse current. The microcomputer 82 detects the voltages of the battery packs 29a and 29b using the detection signals from the battery voltage detection circuits 86a and 86b. The microcomputer 82 detects the charging current using the voltage of the shunt resistor 89 provided on the output current path of the charging circuit 88.

[0112] Independent of the charging control, the microcomputer 82 separately controls the on / off of the relays S1 and S2, which are switches connected to the positive terminals (+ terminals) of the battery packs 29a and 29b, and determines from which of the battery packs 29a and 29b to discharge. In addition, when there is power supply from the DC power source 90, the microcomputer 82 turns off the relays S1 and S2 and does not perform discharge from the battery packs 29a and 29b. Among them, when supplying power to the device connected to the cigarette lighter socket, even when there is power supply from the DC power source 90, the microcomputer 82 sometimes turns on at least one of the relays S1 and S2.

[0113] At the positive terminals of the battery packs 29a and 29b and the DC power source 90, there are connected fuses F1 to F3 and diodes D1 to D3 for preventing reverse current. The microcomputer 82 controls the on / off of the relay S3, which is a switch connected between the cathode of the diode D3 and the cathodes of the diodes D1 and D2.

[0114] When the relay S3 is turned on while there is power supply from the DC power supply 90 and the battery packs 29a and 29b are not connected, power is supplied from the DC power supply 90 to the compressor 41, the heaters 51L, 51M, 51R, and the cigarette lighter socket connection device. Hereinafter, the compressor 41 and the heaters 51L, 51M, 51R will also be collectively referred to as the "cooling and heating function load unit".

[0115] When the relay S3 is turned off while there is power supply from the DC power supply 90 and the battery packs 29a and 29b are not connected, power is supplied from the DC power supply 90 to the cooling and heating function load unit, and power is not supplied to the cigarette lighter socket connection device.

[0116] Regardless of whether there is power supply from the DC power supply 90, when the relay S3 is turned on while the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b is connected, power is supplied from the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b to the cooling and heating function load unit and the cigarette lighter socket connection device. In addition, when there is no power supply from the DC power supply 90 and the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b is connected, the microcomputer 82 keeps the relay S3 turned on all the time.

[0117] When the relay S3 is turned off while there is power supply from the DC power supply 90 and the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b is connected, power is supplied from the DC power supply 90 to the cooling and heating function load unit, and power is supplied from the battery pack 29a or the battery pack 29b to the cigarette lighter socket connection device.

[0118] The microcomputers 81 and 82 can communicate with each other and share various information. For example, the microcomputer 82 can obtain the voltage information of the DC power supply 90 through communication with the microcomputer 81.

[0119] Figure 10It is a graph showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of valves V1 and V2 and the temperature changes in each compartment when the set temperature of each compartment is set to -18°C and the refrigerator 1 operates in the three-compartment mode. In the said example, the states of opening the a-side outlet of valve V1, closing the b-side outlet of valve V1, opening the a-side and b-side outlets of valve V2, and closing the a-side outlet of valve V1, opening the b-side outlet of valve V1, and closing the a-side and b-side outlets of valve V2 are alternately repeated at 5-minute intervals, and the right compartment 8R, left compartment 8L, and middle compartment 8M are alternately cooled. Eventually, the temperature of each compartment converges within the range of -18°C ± 2°C to 3°C. By making the volume of the right compartment 8R approximately equal to the sum of the volumes of the left compartment 8L and the middle compartment 8M, the temperatures of each compartment can be made approximately equal through alternating cooling in units of the same time. In addition, when the capacity of the compressor 41 has a surplus, the a-side and b-side outlets of valve V1 and the a-side and b-side outlets of valve V1 can all be opened to cool each compartment simultaneously. Alternatively, each compartment can be cooled simultaneously until a specified temperature, such as 0°C or 5°C, and then shifted to the alternating cooling of the right compartment 8R and the left compartment 8L and the middle compartment 8M.

[0120] Figure 11 It is a graph showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of valves V1 and V2 and the temperature changes in each compartment when the set temperatures of each compartment are set to -18°C, -5°C, and 10°C in sequence from the left compartment and the refrigerator 1 operates in the three-compartment mode. In the said example, before 35 minutes when the middle compartment 8M reaches the set temperature, i.e., below -5°C, the right compartment 8R and the left compartment 8L and the middle compartment 8M are alternately cooled. Thereafter, cooling of only the right compartment 8R (between 35 minutes and 40 minutes), only the left compartment 8L (between 40 minutes and 50 minutes), only the middle compartment 8M and the left compartment 8L (between 50 minutes and 55 minutes), only the right compartment 8R (between 55 minutes and 60 minutes), and only the left compartment 8L (between 60 minutes and 70 minutes) are carried out in sequence. At 70 minutes, the left compartment 8L reaches the set temperature, i.e., below -18°C, and thereafter, the compartments with temperatures 2°C to 3°C higher than the set temperature are cooled in sequence. In addition, when the capacity of the compressor 41 has a surplus, each compartment can also be cooled simultaneously until the right compartment 8R reaches the set temperature, i.e., below 10°C.

[0121] Figure 12 It is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator of Comparative Example 1. The said refrigerator is obtained by replacing valves V1 and V2 with a single valve V3 in the Figure 7 refrigerator 1 shown. Regarding valve V3, there are three flow paths that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one-in-three-out type).

[0122] Figure 13It is a diagram showing an example of the opening / closing (on / off) of valve V3 and the temperature change in each compartment when operating with the set temperature of each compartment set to -18°C in the three-compartment mode of the refrigerator in Comparative Example 1. Although valve V3 can output refrigerant to one flow path, it cannot output refrigerant to two or more flow paths simultaneously. Therefore, the refrigerant is made to flow alternately through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R one by one, and the left compartment 8L, middle compartment 8M, and right compartment 8R are cooled alternately one by one. In such a case, for each compartment, the waiting time between coolings, that is, the waiting time for cooling different two compartments, is long. Therefore, depending on the external environment, the temperature rise during the waiting time becomes large, and there is a risk that the temperature of each compartment cannot be cooled to the set temperature. In addition, Figure 13 The alternating cooling of each compartment as shown can also be performed in the structure of the refrigerator 1.

[0123] Figure 14 (A) is a flowchart of the mode selection and temperature setting switching corresponding to the installation status of the partition plates P1 and P2 of the refrigerator 1. The said flowchart starts by the opening operation of the power button 65.

[0124] When neither of the partition plates P1 and P2 is installed ( "No (NO)" in S1, "No" in S2), the microcomputer 81 sets it to the one-compartment mode (S3) and enters the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0125] When only the partition plate P2 is installed ( "No" in S1, "Yes (YES)" in S2), the microcomputer 81 sets it to the two-compartment mode A (S4) and enters the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0126] When only the partition plate P1 is installed ( "Yes" in S1, "No" in S5), the microcomputer 81 sets it to the two-compartment mode B (S6) and enters the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0127] When both the partition plates P1 and P2 are installed ( "Yes" in S1, "Yes" in S5), the microcomputer 81 sets it to the three-compartment mode (S7) and enters the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0128] Figure 14 (B) is in Figure 14(A) Flowchart when waiting for the user's operation to enter the temperature setting switching routine (S15). In this case, when the microcomputer 81 detects an operation of the power button 65, the room selection button 64, the USB device power supply switching button 66, or the cigarette lighter socket power supply switching button 68 after mode determination (any one of S3 to S7) (Yes in any one of S9 to S12), it enters the temperature setting switching routine (S15). The power button 65, the room selection button 64, the USB device power supply switching button 66, and the cigarette lighter socket power supply switching button 68 are examples of switches that can be operated by the user.

[0129] Figure 15 Yes Figure 14 (A) Flowchart of the temperature setting switching routine (S15).

[0130] Figure 15 In it, "Setting_flag" and "Target_flag" are flags indicating the mode respectively. "1" corresponds to the one-room mode, "2" corresponds to the two-room mode A, "3" corresponds to the two-room mode B, and "4" corresponds to the three-room mode.

[0131] When the installation status of the partition P1 and the partition P2 has not changed, "Setting_flag" and "Target_flag" indicate the current mode respectively. When the installation status of the partition P1 and the partition P2 has changed, that is, when the mode has changed, "Setting_flag" indicates the mode before the change until it is updated by the temperature setting reading routine (S60) described later, and "Target_flag" indicates the changed mode.

[0132] When the microcomputer 81 is in the one-room mode (No in S17, No in S19, No in S21), when "Setting_flag" is not "1" (No in S23), it changes the display unit 61 to the display corresponding to the one-room mode shown in Figure 6 (I) (S25), substitutes "1" into "Target_flag" (S27), and enters the temperature setting reading routine (S60).

[0133] When the microcomputer 81 is in the two-room mode A (No in S17, No in S19, Yes in S21), when "Setting_flag" is not "2" (No in S33), it changes the display unit 61 to the display corresponding to the two-room mode A shown in Figure 6 (G) (S35), substitutes "2" into "Target_flag" (S37), and enters the temperature setting reading routine (S60).

[0134] When the microcomputer 81 is in the two-room mode B (No in S17, Yes in S19), and when "Setting_flag" is not "3" (No in S43), the display unit 61 is changed to the display corresponding to the two-room mode B shown in Figure 6 (E) (S45), and "3" is substituted into "Target_flag" (S47), and the temperature setting reading routine (S60) is entered.

[0135] When the microcomputer 81 is in the three-room mode (Yes in S17), and when "Setting_flag" is not "4" (No in S53), the display unit 61 is changed to the display corresponding to the three-room mode shown in Figure 6 (C) (S55), and "4" is substituted into "Target_flag" (S57), and the temperature setting reading routine (S60) is entered.

[0136] Figure 15 The set temperature display after the display change corresponding to each mode (S25, S35, S45, S55) in [] is controlled by the temperature setting reading routine (S60).

[0137] Figure 16 Yes Figure 15 is the flowchart of the temperature setting reading routine (S60).

[0138] · One-room mode → Three-room mode When the microcomputer 81 is in the case where "Target_flag" is "4" (Yes in S61), and when "Setting_flag" is "1" (Yes in S63), the display temperature of the middle room temperature display unit 61M, that is, the set temperature in the one-room mode, is set as the set temperatures of the left room 8L, the middle room 8M, and the right room 8R in the three-room mode, and is displayed on each of the left room temperature display unit 61L, the middle room temperature display unit 61M, and the right room temperature display unit 61R (S65).

[0139] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode A → three-chamber mode has "Target_flag" as "4" (Yes in S61), and when "Setting_flag" is "2" (No in S63, Yes in S67), the displayed temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, is set as the set temperatures of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M respectively in the three-chamber mode, and is displayed on each of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L and the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S69). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the displayed temperature of the right chamber temperature display unit 61R, that is, the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode A, as the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the three-chamber mode, and displays it on the right chamber temperature display unit 61R (S71).

[0140] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode B → three-chamber mode has "Target_flag" as "4" (Yes in S61), and when "Setting_flag" is "3" (No in S63, No in S67), the displayed temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the two-chamber mode B, is set as the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the three-chamber mode, and is displayed on the left chamber temperature display unit 61L (S73). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the displayed temperature of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M, that is, the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode B, as the set temperatures of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R respectively in the three-chamber mode, and is displayed on each of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M and the right chamber temperature display unit 61R (S75).

[0141] · When the microcomputer 81 in the one-chamber mode → two-chamber mode B has "Target_flag" as "3" (No in S61, Yes in S77), and when "Setting_flag" is "1" (Yes in S79), the displayed temperature of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M, that is, the set temperature in the one-chamber mode, is set as the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the two-chamber mode B and the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R, and is displayed on each of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L and the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S81).

[0142] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode A → two-chamber mode B is in the case where "Target_flag" is "3" ( "No" in S61, "Yes" in S77), and when "Setting_flag" is "2" ( "No" in S79, "Yes" in S83), the display temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, is set as the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the two-chamber mode B and is displayed on the left chamber temperature display unit 61L (S85). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the display temperature of the right chamber temperature display unit 61R, that is, the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode A, as the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R, and displays it on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S87).

[0143] · When the microcomputer 81 in the three-chamber mode → two-chamber mode B is in the case where "Target_flag" is "3" ( "No" in S61, "Yes" in S77), and when "Setting_flag" is "4" ( "No" in S79, "No" in S83), the display temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the three-chamber mode, is set as the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the two-chamber mode B and is displayed on the left chamber temperature display unit 61L (S89). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the display temperature of the right chamber temperature display unit 61R, that is, the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the three-chamber mode, as the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode B, and displays it on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S91).

[0144] · When the microcomputer 81 in the one-chamber mode → two-chamber mode A is in the case where "Target_flag" is "2" ( "No" in S61, "No" in S77, "Yes" in S93), and when "Setting_flag" is "1" ( "Yes" in S95), the display temperature of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M, that is, the set temperature in the one-chamber mode, is set as the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, and the set temperature of the right chamber 8R, and is displayed on each of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M and the right chamber temperature display unit 61R (S97).

[0145] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode B → two-chamber mode A is in the case where "Target_flag" is "2" (No in S61, No in S77, Yes in S93), and when "Setting_flag" is "3" (No in S95, Yes in S99), the display temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the two-chamber mode B, is set as the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, and is displayed on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S101). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the display temperature of the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M, that is, the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode B, as the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode A, and is displayed on the right chamber temperature display unit 61R (S103).

[0146] · When the microcomputer 81 in the three-chamber mode → two-chamber mode A is in the case where "Target_flag" is "2" (No in S61, No in S77, Yes in S93), and when "Setting_flag" is "4" (No in S95, No in S99), the display temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the set temperature of the left chamber 8L in the three-chamber mode, is set as the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, and is displayed on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S105). In addition, the microcomputer 81 sets the display temperature of the right chamber temperature display unit 61R, that is, the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the three-chamber mode, as the set temperature of the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode A, and is displayed on the right chamber temperature display unit 61R (S107).

[0147] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode A → one-chamber mode is in the case where "Target_flag" is "1" (No in S61, No in S77, No in S93), and when "Setting_flag" is "2" (Yes in S109), the display temperature of the left chamber temperature display unit 61L, that is, the common set temperature of the left chamber 8L and the middle chamber 8M in the two-chamber mode A, is set as the set temperature in the one-chamber mode, and is displayed on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S111).

[0148] · When the microcomputer 81 in the two-chamber mode B → one-chamber mode is in the case where "Target_flag" is "1" (No in S61, No in S77, No in S93), and when "Setting_flag" is "3" (No in S109, Yes in S113), the display temperature of the right chamber temperature display unit 61R, that is, the common set temperature of the middle chamber 8M and the right chamber 8R in the two-chamber mode B, is set as the set temperature in the one-chamber mode, and is displayed on the middle chamber temperature display unit 61M (S115).

[0149] · When the microcomputer 81 is in the three - chamber mode → one - chamber mode, when “Target_flag” is “1” (No in S61, No in S77, No in S93), and when “Setting_flag” is “4” (No in S109, No in S113), the display temperature of the middle - chamber temperature display unit 61M, that is, the set temperature of the middle chamber 8M in the three - chamber mode, is set as the set temperature in the one - chamber mode and is displayed on the middle - chamber temperature display unit 61M (S117).

[0150] After the microcomputer 81 executes the processing of S65, S71, S75, S81, S87, S91, S97, S103, S107, S111, S115, or S117, it substitutes “Target_flag” into “Setting_flag” and ends the temperature - setting reading routine (S60).

[0151] The present embodiment has the following effects.

[0152] (1) The refrigerator 1 has valves V1 and V2 with two flow paths that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one - inlet two - outlet type). The inlet of valve V1 is connected to the output side (spray side) of the compressor 41. The refrigerant pipe 45R is connected to the a - side outlet of valve V1. The inlet of valve V2 is connected to the b - side outlet of valve V1. The refrigerant pipe 45M is connected to the a - side outlet of valve V2. The refrigerant pipe 45L is connected to the b - side outlet of valve V2. Therefore, by controlling the opening / closing (on / off) of valves V1 and V2 using the microcomputer 81, the refrigerator 1 can perform control that cannot be achieved by a three - outlet valve, that is, control to make the refrigerant flow simultaneously in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, or control to make the refrigerant flow in any two of the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. Therefore, compared with the structure of the refrigerator in Comparative Example 1 as shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 which can only perform control to make the refrigerant flow alternately in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, the waiting time between the cooling of each chamber can be reduced, and the risk of not being able to cool the temperature of each chamber to the set temperature can be suppressed.

[0153] (2) By combining the one - inlet two - outlet type valves V1 and V of the refrigerator 1, the flow of the refrigerant in the three refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R can be controlled without using the valve V3 (one - inlet three - outlet type valve) used in the refrigerator of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, the use of an expensive one - inlet three - outlet type valve can be avoided, and the cost price can be suppressed.

[0154] (3) The microcomputer 81 is configured to automatically switch the mode according to the installation states of the partition plates P1 and P2, so that the control of which refrigerant pipe among the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R the refrigerant flows through is different. Therefore, the burden of mode selection corresponding to the installation states of the partition plates P1 and P2 can be reduced, and the operability is good. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

[0155] (3).1 When neither the partition plate P1 nor the partition plate P2 is installed, the microcomputer 81 automatically sets to the one-room mode. Therefore, the user does not need to select the one-room mode by button operation or the like, and the operability is good. When operating in the one-room mode, the microcomputer 81 is configured to execute the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. Therefore, inefficient operations in the one-room mode, such as making the refrigerant continuously flow through only any one or two refrigerant pipes during the operation in the one-room mode, can be automatically eliminated, and power consumption can be suppressed. In addition, the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R is not limited to making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R simultaneously. As long as the refrigerant flows through all the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R during the entire operation period in any mode, for example, it can be the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R alternately, or it can be the control of alternately executing the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L and 45M and the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipe 45R. That is, in the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, the refrigerant can also be temporarily made to flow through only any one or two refrigerant pipes.

[0156] (3).2 When the partition plate P1 is installed and the partition plate P2 is not installed, the microcomputer 81 automatically sets to the two-room mode B. Therefore, the user does not need to select the two-room mode B by button operation or the like, and the operability is good. When operating in the two-room mode B, the microcomputer 81 is configured to execute any one of the control of making the refrigerant flow through only the refrigerant pipe 45L, the control of making the refrigerant flow through only the refrigerant pipes 45M and 45R, and the control of making the refrigerant flow through the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. Therefore, inefficient operations in the two-room mode B, such as making the refrigerant continuously flow through only the refrigerant pipe 45R during the operation in the two-room mode B, can be automatically eliminated, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[0157] (3).3 When the partition P1 is not installed and the partition P2 is installed in the microcomputer 81, it is automatically set to the two-chamber mode A. Therefore, the user does not need to select the two-chamber mode A through button operations or the like, and the operability is good. When operating in the two-chamber mode A, the microcomputer 81 is configured to execute any one of the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipes 45L and 45M, the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45R, and the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. Therefore, inefficient operations in the two-chamber mode A can be automatically eliminated, such as an operation in which the refrigerant continuously flows only in the refrigerant pipe 45L during the operation in the two-chamber mode A, and power consumption can be suppressed.

[0158] (3).4 When the partition P1 and the partition P2 are installed in the microcomputer 81, it is automatically set to the three-chamber mode. Therefore, the user does not need to select the three-chamber mode through button operations or the like, and the operability is good. When operating in the three-chamber mode, the microcomputer 81 is configured to execute any one of the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45L, the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45M, the control to make the refrigerant flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45R, the control to make the refrigerant flow in any two of the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, and the control to make the refrigerant flow in all the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R simultaneously or alternately.

[0159] (4) In the refrigerator 1, the microcomputer 81 only allows the set temperature L of the left chamber 8L, the set temperature M of the middle chamber 8M, and the set temperature R of the right chamber 8R to be set at temperatures such that L≧M≧R or L≦M≦R. Therefore, temperature settings such as a high set temperature for the middle chamber 8M and low set temperatures for the left chamber 8L and the right chamber 8R can be prohibited, and inefficient operations can be suppressed.

[0160] (5) The microcomputer 81 automatically switches the control according to the detection results of the partition detection sensors 18b1 and 18b2 (the detection results of whether the partitions P1 and P2 are installed) ( Figure 15 the temperature setting switching routine (S15) shown) ( Figure 14 (A)), or semi-automatically switches the control on the occasion of the user's switch operation ( Figure (B)). In the case of automatic operation, the required operations can be reduced. In the case of semi-automatic operation, the user changes the display on the display unit 61 through their own switch operation, so it is easy to understand that the mode has been changed.

[0161] (6) When the installation status of partition P1 and partition P2 changes, the microcomputer 81 displays a temperature setting screen in the changed mode (for example, the set temperature blinks on the display unit 61). Therefore, it is easy for the user to confirm the temperature setting after the extraction and insertion of partition P1 and partition P2, which is convenient to use.

[0162] (7) Since the structure is such that the magnetic field generated by the magnet 74 provided on the upper partition 71 is detected by the partition detection sensor 18b, the mode does not switch when only the lower partition 72 is installed as a scattering prevention wall (simple partition) for the stored items, which is convenient to use.

[0163] (Embodiment 2) ​ It is a simple block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Hereinafter, the description will focus on the differences from Embodiment 1.

[0164] The valve V4 is an electromagnetic valve. There are two flow paths that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one-inlet two-outlet type). One of the two outlets of the valve V4 is distinguished as the a-side outlet and the other is distinguished as the b-side outlet.

[0165] The outlets of the capillary tubes 43L, 43M, and 43R (capillary tube) are respectively connected to the inlets of the refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. The inlet of the capillary tube 43L is connected to the outlet of the condenser 42. The inlets of the capillary tubes 43M and 43R are respectively connected to the a-side outlet and the b-side outlet of the valve V4. The inlet of the valve V4 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 42.

[0166] The capillary tubes 43L, 43M, and 43R respectively cause resistance to the flow of the refrigerant liquefied in the condenser 42, reduce the pressure, and then send it to the subsequent refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R. In addition, the capillary tubes 43L, 43M, and 43R also form a part of the refrigerant pipes.

[0167] The capillary tubes 43M and 43R are configured to have a flow path resistance smaller than that of the capillary tube 43L. Specifically, the capillary tubes 43M and 43R have a larger inner diameter and / or a shorter length than the capillary tube 43L. As a result, the pressure ratios of the refrigerant pipes 45M and 45R to the capillary tubes 43M and 43R are smaller than the pressure ratio of the refrigerant pipe 45L to the capillary tube 43L. For example, the pressure ratios of the refrigerant pipes 45M and 45R to the capillary tubes 43M and 43R are set to 1:6, and the pressure ratio of the refrigerant pipe 45L to the capillary tube 43L is set to 1:6.5. Therefore, when at least one of the a-side outlet and the b-side outlet of the valve V4 is opened, most of the refrigerant flows to the valve V4 (flows to at least one of the capillary tubes 43R and 43M), and hardly any refrigerant flows to the capillary tube 43L.

[0168] The refrigerator 1A can perform the following controls a to d by controlling the valve V4. · Control a... A control that allows the refrigerant to flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45L. · Control b... A control that allows most of the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45M, does not allow the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45R, and hardly allows the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45L. · Control c... A control that allows most of the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45R, does not allow the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45M, and hardly allows the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45L. · Control d... A control that allows most of the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipes 45M and 45R, and hardly allows the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45L.

[0169] The following shows combination examples of the respective modes of the refrigerator 1A and the controls a to d. · One-room mode... Controls a and d are alternately executed. · Two-room mode A... Controls a to c are alternately executed, controls a and b are alternately executed, or control c is executed. · Two-room mode B... Controls a and d are alternately executed, or any one of controls a and d is executed. · Three-room mode... Controls a to c are alternately executed, any two of controls a to c are alternately executed, or one of controls a to c is executed.

[0170] According to the present embodiment, by using a single one-in-two-out type valve V4, it is possible to control the flow of the refrigerant in the three refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R without using the valve V3 (one-in-three-out type valve) used in the refrigerator of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it is possible to avoid using an expensive one-in-three-out type valve, and in addition, the number of one-in-two-out type valves used can be limited to one, thereby suppressing the cost price.

[0171] (Embodiment 3) ​It is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1B according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The refrigerator 1B is obtained by replacing the valve V4 of the refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 with valves V5 and V6. The valves V5 and V6 are electromagnetic valves respectively. There is one flow path that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one-in-one-out type).

[0172] The refrigerator 1B can perform the same control as the refrigerator 1A according to Embodiment 2 by controlling the valves V5 and V6. According to this embodiment, the use of expensive one-in-two-out type valves can be avoided, and the cost price can be suppressed.

[0173] (Embodiment 4) ​ It is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator 1C according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The refrigerator 1C corresponds to a refrigerator obtained by changing the refrigerators 1A and 1B according to Embodiments 2 and 3 into a two-compartment type.

[0174] In the storage chamber 8 of the refrigerator 1C, the left chamber 8L and the right chamber 8R are adjacent to each other and are separated by a detachable partition P3. The partition P3 has the same structure as the partitions P1 and P2 according to Embodiments 1 to 3. The left chamber 8L corresponds to the first storage chamber, and the right chamber 8R corresponds to the second storage chamber. The refrigerant pipe 45L is provided corresponding to the left chamber 8L, and the refrigerant pipe 45R is provided corresponding to the right chamber 8R.

[0175] The valve V7 is an electromagnetic valve. There is one flow path that can be connected to the outlet side and one flow path that can be connected to the inlet side (one-in-one-out type). The outlets of the capillary tubes 43L and 43R (capillary tube) are respectively connected to the inlets of the refrigerant pipes 45L and 45R. The inlet of the capillary tube 43L is connected to the outlet of the condenser 42. The inlet of the capillary tube 43R is connected to the outlet of the valve V7. The inlet of the valve V7 is connected to the outlet of the condenser 42 (the output side of the compressor 41).

[0176] The capillary tubes 43L and 43R respectively generate resistance to the flow of the refrigerant liquefied in the condenser 42, reduce the pressure, and then send it to the subsequent refrigerant pipes 45L and 45R. In addition, the capillary tubes 43L and 43R also form a part of the refrigerant pipes.

[0177] The capillary tube 43R is configured to have a flow path resistance smaller than that of the capillary tube 43L. Specifically, the capillary tube 43R has a larger inner diameter and / or a shorter length than the capillary tube 43L. Thereby, the pressure ratio of the refrigerant pipe 45R to the capillary tube 43R is smaller than the pressure ratio of the refrigerant pipe 45L to the capillary tube 43L. For example, the respective pressure ratios of the refrigerant pipe 45R to the capillary tube 43R are set to 1:6, and the pressure ratio of the refrigerant pipe 45L to the capillary tube 43L is set to 1:6.5. Therefore, when the valve V7 is opened, most of the refrigerant flows toward the valve V7 (flows toward the capillary tube 43R), and almost no refrigerant flows toward the capillary tube 43L.

[0178] The refrigerator 1C can perform the following controls e and f by controlling the valve V7. · Control e... A control that allows the refrigerant to flow only in the refrigerant pipe 45L. · Control f... A control that allows most of the refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45R and allows almost no refrigerant to flow in the refrigerant pipe 45L.

[0179] The following shows combination examples of the respective modes of the refrigerator 1C and the controls e and f. · One-room mode... Controls e and f are alternately executed. · Two-room mode... Control e is executed, control f is executed, or controls e and f are alternately executed.

[0180] ​ It is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of each compartment when the refrigerator 1C is operating with the valve V7 opened (control f is executed) in the two-room mode (with the partition P3 installed). The right compartment 8R reaches the set temperature of -18°C at around 40 minutes. Although not shown in the figure, when the temperature of the right compartment 8R becomes -21°C, the compressor 41 stops operating, and when the temperature of the right compartment 8R becomes -15°C, the compressor 41 starts operating again. Thereby, the temperature of the right compartment 8R converges within the range of -18°C ± 3°C. The reason for the temperature drop in the left compartment 8L is that the temperature of the adjacent right compartment 8R drops, and there is also heat absorption caused by the refrigerant flowing in the left refrigerant pipe 45L, although it is small.

[0181] ​ It is a graph showing an example of the temperature change of each compartment when the refrigerator 1C is operating while repeatedly opening and closing the valve V7 (alternately executing controls e and f) in the two-room mode (with the partition P3 installed). The refrigerator 1C can cool both the left compartment 8L and the right compartment 8R to the set temperature of -18°C by repeatedly opening and closing the valve V7.

[0182] ​ It is a simplified block diagram of the mechanical structure of the refrigerator in Comparative Example 2. The refrigerator is ​The refrigerator 1C shown is formed by replacing the one-in-one-out valve V7 with a one-in-two-out valve V8. The inlet of the capillary tube 43R is connected to the a-side outlet of the valve V8, and the inlet of the capillary tube 43L is connected to the b-side outlet of the valve V8. The flow path resistances of the capillary tube 43R and the capillary tube 43L are equal to each other. The pressure ratios of the refrigerant pipe 45R to the capillary tube 43R and the refrigerant pipe 45L to the capillary tube 43L are equal (for example, 1:6).

[0183] ​ It is a diagram showing an example of the temperature changes in each compartment when operating while repeatedly opening and closing (opening and closing) the a-side outlet and the b-side outlet of the valve V8 in the two-compartment mode (with the installation of the partition P3) in the refrigerator of Comparative Example 2. By repeatedly opening and closing (opening and closing) the a-side outlet and the b-side outlet of the valve V8, both the left compartment 8L and the right compartment 8R are cooled to the set temperature of -18°C.

[0184] According to the present embodiment, with a single one-in-one-out valve V7, the flow of the refrigerant in the two refrigerant pipes 45L and 45R can be controlled in the same manner as in Comparative Example 2 without using the one-in-two-out valve V8 used in Comparative Example 2. Therefore, it is possible to avoid using an expensive one-in-two-out valve and suppress the cost price.

[0185] As another example of the present embodiment, the valve V7 can also be omitted. In this case, only the operation mode in which most of the refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe 45R and almost no refrigerant flows in the refrigerant pipe 45L (corresponding to the control f) can be achieved, and the temperature changes in the left compartment 8L and the right compartment 8R are as ​ shown. The right compartment is a freezer compartment, and the left compartment is a refrigerator compartment. In other words, if it is only for a single use where the right compartment is a freezer compartment and the left compartment is a refrigerator compartment, the valve V7 is not required, and the cost price can be further suppressed. Accordingly, it is possible to realize a refrigerator with two compartments, a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, even without using a valve.

[0186] As described above, the present invention has been described by way of embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Various modifications can be made to each matter specifically described in the embodiments within the scope recited in the claims.

[0187] In Embodiment 1, valves V1 and V2 may also be positioned at the rear end of refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R, that is, at locations within refrigerant pipes 45L, 45M, and 45R where the refrigerant, which has absorbed heat from each chamber, flows. In this case, valves V1 and V2 are of a two-inlet, one-outlet type. Refrigerant pipe 45R is connected to one inlet of valve V1, while refrigerant pipe 45L and refrigerant pipe 45M are connected to the two inlets of valve V2, respectively. The outlet of valve V1 is connected to the suction port of compressor 41, and the outlet of valve V2 is connected to the other inlet of valve V1. Similar variations also apply to Embodiments 2 through 4.

[0188] The number of connectable battery packs, the rated output voltage of the battery pack, the voltage, temperature or temperature range of the DC power supply 90, etc., which are exemplified as specific numerical values in the embodiments, do not limit the scope of the invention in any way and can be changed arbitrarily according to the required specifications.

[0189] Explanation of Figure Numbers

[0190] 1. 1A~1C: Refrigerator

[0191] 2: Main body

[0192] 3: The first main body

[0193] 4: Second main body

[0194] 5: Cover

[0195] 6: First cover

[0196] 6a: Handle

[0197] 7: Second cover

[0198] 7a: Handlebars

[0199] 8: Containment Chamber

[0200] 8L: Left ventricle

[0201] 8M: Middle Room

[0202] 8R: Right ventricle

[0203] 11: Main frame

[0204] 12: Left outer box

[0205] 13: Right outer box

[0206] 16L, 16M, 16R: Metal plate (inner wall member)

[0207] 18: Track

[0208] 18a: concave part

[0209] 18b: Spacer detection sensor (magnetic sensor)

[0210] 19: Casters

[0211] 20: Movable handle

[0212] 21: Handle

[0213] 22a: Battery assembly equipment

[0214] 23: Air Inlet

[0215] 24: Exhaust port

[0216] 25: First hinge mechanism

[0217] 26: Second hinge mechanism

[0218] 27A: USB terminal

[0219] 27B: Cigarette lighter socket

[0220] 28: External power input terminal

[0221] 29a, 29b: Battery pack

[0222] 35: Feet

[0223] 41: Compressor (cooling mechanism)

[0224] 42: Condenser

[0225] 43, 43L, 43M, 43R: Capillary tube

[0226] 45A~45C, 45L, 45M, 45R: Refrigerant pipes

[0227] 48: Compressor drive circuit

[0228] 49: Fan

[0229] 51L, 51M, 51R: Heater

[0230] 55L, 55M, 55R: Temperature sensor

[0231] 60: Setting Department

[0232] 61: Display unit (display panel)

[0233] 61a: Battery status display unit

[0234] 61b: External power supply connection display unit

[0235] 61c: USB device power-on display section

[0236] 61g: Cigarette lighter socket power-on display section

[0237] 61h: Separator line

[0238] 61L: Left chamber temperature display section

[0239] 61M: Middle chamber temperature display section

[0240] 61R: Right chamber temperature display section

[0241] 62, 63: Temperature setting buttons

[0242] 64: Chamber selection button

[0243] 65: Power button

[0244] 66: USB device power-on switching button

[0245] 68: Cigarette lighter socket power-on switching button

[0246] 71: Upper partition

[0247] 72: Lower partition

[0248] 73: Side part (engagement part)

[0249] 74: Magnet

[0250] 80: Control circuit board

[0251] 81: Microcomputer (operation control section)

[0252] 82: Microcomputer (charging control section)

[0253] 83: Control power supply

[0254] 84: Revolution speed setting circuit

[0255] 85: Shunt resistor

[0256] 86a, 86b: Battery voltage detection circuit

[0257] 86c: DC power supply voltage detection circuit

[0258] 88: Charging circuit

[0259] 89: Shunt resistor

[0260] 90: DC power supply

[0261] 103: 12V output DCDC converter circuit

[0262] 104: Shunt resistor

[0263] P1 - P3: Partition plates

[0264] V1 - V8: Valves

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: A main body having a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber adjacent to the first storage chamber with a first heat insulating wall interposed therebetween, and a third storage chamber adjacent to the second storage chamber with a second heat insulating wall interposed therebetween; A lid configured to be openable and closable with respect to the main body; A cooling mechanism configured to be able to cool the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber individually; A setting unit configured to be able to set a first set temperature of the first storage chamber, a second set temperature of the second storage chamber, and a third set temperature of the third storage chamber individually; and A control unit configured to control the cooling mechanism, The refrigerator is characterized in that: The control unit is configured to control the change of the set temperature based on the setting unit such that a first set temperature difference between the first set temperature and the second set temperature is within a first specified value, and a second set temperature difference between the second set temperature and the third set temperature is within a second specified value.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control unit is configured to control the change of the set temperature based on the setting unit such that a third set temperature difference between the first set temperature and the third set temperature can be larger than the first set temperature difference and the second set temperature difference.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator has a first temperature sensor provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second temperature sensor provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third temperature sensor provided corresponding to the third storage chamber, The control unit is configured to control the cooling mechanism according to the first set temperature, the second set temperature, the third set temperature, a first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, a second detected temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and a third detected temperature detected by the third temperature sensor.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cooling mechanism has a first refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the third storage chamber, The control unit is configured to control the flow of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe, the second refrigerant pipe, and the third refrigerant pipe.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The refrigerator has a first heater provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second heater provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third heater provided corresponding to the third storage chamber, The control unit is configured to control the first heater, the second heater, and the third heater.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a first temperature sensor provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second temperature sensor provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third temperature sensor provided corresponding to the third storage chamber. The control unit is configured to control the first heater, the second heater, and the third heater based on the first set temperature, the second set temperature, the third set temperature, the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the second detected temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the third detected temperature detected by the third temperature sensor.

7. A refrigerator, comprising: A main body having a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber adjacent to the first storage chamber with a first heat insulation wall interposed therebetween, and a third storage chamber adjacent to the second storage chamber with a second heat insulation wall interposed therebetween; A lid configured to be openable and closable relative to the main body; A cooling mechanism configured to be able to cool the first storage chamber, the second storage chamber, and the third storage chamber separately; A setting unit configured to be able to set a first set temperature of the first storage chamber, a second set temperature of the second storage chamber, and a third set temperature of the third storage chamber separately; and A control unit configured to control the cooling mechanism, The refrigerator is characterized in that: The setting unit is configured to be able to set the first set temperature, the second set temperature, and the third set temperature only within a range that satisfies the relationship of the first set temperature ≥ the second set temperature ≥ the third set temperature or the relationship of the first set temperature ≤ the second set temperature ≤ the third set temperature.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The control unit is configured to control the setting unit such that a first set temperature difference between the first set temperature and the second set temperature is within a first specified value and a second set temperature difference between the second set temperature and the third set temperature is within a second specified value.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The refrigerator includes a first temperature sensor provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second temperature sensor provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third temperature sensor provided corresponding to the third storage chamber. The control unit is configured to control the cooling mechanism based on the first set temperature, the second set temperature, the third set temperature, the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the second detected temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the third detected temperature detected by the third temperature sensor.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein: The cooling mechanism includes a first refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third refrigerant pipe provided corresponding to the third storage chamber. The control unit is configured to control the flow of the refrigerant in the first refrigerant pipe, the second refrigerant pipe, and the third refrigerant pipe.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 7, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a first heater provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second heater provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third heater provided corresponding to the third storage chamber, The control unit is configured to control the first heater, the second heater, and the third heater.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 11, characterized in that: The refrigerator includes a first temperature sensor provided corresponding to the first storage chamber, a second temperature sensor provided corresponding to the second storage chamber, and a third temperature sensor provided corresponding to the third storage chamber, The control unit is configured to control the first heater, the second heater, and the third heater according to the first set temperature, the second set temperature, the third set temperature, the first detected temperature detected by the first temperature sensor, the second detected temperature detected by the second temperature sensor, and the third detected temperature detected by the third temperature sensor.

13. A refrigerator, characterized in that Comprising: A main body having a storage chamber; A lid body that can be opened and closed relative to the main body; and A cooling mechanism that cools the storage chamber, In the main body, a partition can be installed. When the partition is installed in the main body, the storage chamber is divided into a first storage chamber and a second storage chamber, and the partition can be divided into an upper partition and a lower partition, The main body has a sensor for detecting the case where the upper partition is installed.

14. A refrigerator, characterized in that Comprising: A cooling mechanism; A storage chamber that is cooled by the cooling mechanism and can be divided into a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, and a third storage chamber by two detachable partitions; A first refrigerant pipe, a second refrigerant pipe, and a third refrigerant pipe through which the refrigerant output by the cooling mechanism flows; A control unit that controls the cooling mechanism; And A partition detection unit connected to the control unit, The control unit switches the control according to the detection result of the partition detection unit.

15. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that: The main body has a track for inserting the partition, The sensor is provided on the track.

16. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that: There is a control unit for controlling the cooling mechanism, The sensor is connected to the control unit, The control unit switches the control according to the detection result obtained by the sensor.

17. The refrigerator according to claim 14 or 16, characterized in that: There is a switch that can be operated by the user, When the switch is operated, the control unit switches the control corresponding to the detection result.

18. The refrigerator according to claim 14 or 16, characterized in that: There is a display unit that can display corresponding to the division state of the storage chamber, The control includes the display control of the display unit.

19. The refrigerator according to claim 17, characterized in that: When the detection result changes, the control unit causes the display unit to display a temperature setting screen.

20. The refrigerator according to claim 17, characterized in that: The control unit cannot perform different temperature settings for the spaces in the storage compartment that are not partitioned by the partition.

21. The refrigerator according to claim 17, characterized in that: The control unit does not switch the output of the cooling mechanism until the partition is detected and the user performs a temperature setting.

22. The refrigerator according to claim 13, characterized in that: A magnet is provided on the upper partition, and the sensor is a magnetic sensor.

23. A partition that is detachably installed in the storage compartment of a refrigerator and partitions the storage compartment, the partition being characterized by having: An engaging portion that slidably engages with a track provided in the storage compartment; and A magnet provided on the engaging portion.

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