Refrigerator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a refrigerator with improved convenience. A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a storage chamber, a cooler, a freezing region, a vacuum insulation material, a drain pipe, and a heating unit. The storage chamber is provided with an opening. And the cooler is used for cooling the storage chamber. The freezing region is cooled at a temperature of a freezing temperature zone. The vacuum heat insulation material is disposed behind the frozen region and overlaps at least a portion of the frozen region when viewed from the front-rear direction. The drain pipe has a drain portion between the freezing region in the front-rear direction and the vacuum heat insulation material, and discharges defrost water of the cooler, and the drain portion is disposed so as to overlap a rear surface of the freezing region when viewed from the front-rear direction. And the heating part can heat the drainage part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, refrigerators were known to consist of an outer casing and an inner casing, with insulation material disposed between the two. The insulation material included either vacuum insulation or foam insulation, with the foam insulation filling the space between the outer and inner casings where no vacuum insulation was used. Generally, vacuum insulation has a higher insulation capacity than foam insulation. Insulation capacity refers to the strength of the insulation performance. The storage compartment formed by the inner casing is cooled by a condenser. Such refrigerators, for example, have a refrigeration area with a refrigeration compartment and a freezing area with a freezer compartment at a lower temperature than the refrigeration compartment. Furthermore, defrost water generated during condenser defrosting is drained through a drain pipe.

[0003] In refrigerators like the one described above, where a portion of the drain pipe is positioned between the freezer compartment and a high-insulation material such as vacuum insulation, the defrost water flowing through the drain pipe may freeze due to the lower temperature. This freezing can reduce the refrigerator's drainage performance and thus its convenience. Furthermore, if the drain pipe is detoured to prevent freezing, the width of the drain pipe or the drain channel used to direct the defrost water from the cooler to it needs to be increased. This would enlarge the cooler or the cooler compartment with the drain channel, potentially worsening the utilization of the refrigerator's internal volume and further reducing convenience.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-132493 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem this invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that improves convenience.

[0008] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes: a storage compartment, a cooler, a freezing zone, vacuum insulation material, a drain pipe, and a heating unit. The storage compartment has an opening. The cooler cools the storage compartment. The freezing zone is cooled to a temperature within the freezing temperature range. The vacuum insulation material is disposed behind the freezing zone and overlaps with at least a portion of the freezing zone when viewed from the front-back direction. The drain pipe, located between the freezing zone and the vacuum insulation material in the front-back direction, has a drain portion that overlaps with the rear surface of the freezing zone when viewed from the front-back direction, for draining defrost water from the cooler. The heating unit is capable of heating the drain portion.

[0009] Based on the above configuration, the convenience of the refrigerator is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line F2-F2 in the middle.

[0012] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the cooling device configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the drain pipe configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the drain pipe of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing the drain pipe configuration of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the drain pipe of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment.

[0017] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0018] 1. 1A…Refrigerator, 10c…Foam insulation material (insulation material), 17…Storage compartment, 17A…Refrigerator compartment (refrigerated storage compartment), 17B…Fresh food compartment (refrigerated storage compartment), 17C…Vegetable compartment (refrigerated storage compartment), 17D…Ice maker compartment (freezer storage compartment), 17E…Small freezer compartment (freezer storage compartment), 17F…Main freezer compartment (freezer storage compartment), 30…Special insulation material (vacuum insulation material), 31…Sloping section, 50, 50A…Drain pipe, 51, 51A…First drain section (drainage section), 52, 52A…Second drain Section (drainage section), 50h, 50Ah… Heating section, 61… First cooler (refrigeration cooler), 62… First blower (refrigeration blower), 71… Second cooler (freezing cooler), 72… Second blower (freezing blower), 711… Freezing cooler chamber, 100… Control section, RA… Refrigeration area, FA… Freezing area, RW… Refrigeration chamber air duct, FW… Freezing chamber air duct, Z… Up and down direction, Z1… Above, Z2… Below, Y… Front and back direction, Y1… Front, Y2… Back, X… Width direction. Detailed Implementation

[0019] (First Implementation)

[0020] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used to refer to components that have the same or similar functions. Furthermore, repeated descriptions of these components are sometimes omitted.

[0021] In this embodiment, the vertical direction in refrigerator 1 is defined as "vertical direction Z", the vertical upward direction is defined as "upper Z1" in vertical direction Z, and the vertical downward direction is defined as "lower Z2" in vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the left-right direction when viewed from the front of refrigerator 1 by a user standing in front of refrigerator 1 is defined as "width direction X", the left direction is defined as "left side X1" in width direction X, and the right direction is defined as "right side X2" in width direction X. Additionally, the direction orthogonal to both vertical direction Z and width direction X is defined as "front-back direction Y", the direction closest to the user standing in front of refrigerator 1 when viewed from refrigerator 1 is defined as "front Y1" in front direction Y, and the direction furthest away is defined as "rear Y2" in front-back direction Y.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a front view of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line F2-F2 in the middle. Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the cooling device 90 of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 This is a rear view showing the configuration of the drain pipe 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 5This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the drain pipe 50 of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. (Explanation) Figures 1 to 5 The refrigerator 1 shown is an overall structure. Furthermore, refrigerator 1 does not necessarily have all the components described below; some components may be omitted as appropriate.

[0023] Refrigerator 1, for example, includes: a casing 10 and multiple doors 20. Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a foam insulation material (insulation material) 10c.

[0024] The inner casing 10a is a component forming the inner surface of the housing 10, for example, made of synthetic resin. The outer casing 10b is a component forming the outer surface of the housing 10, for example, made of metal. The outer casing 10b is formed to be larger than the inner casing 10a and is disposed outside the inner casing 10a.

[0025] The outer casing 10b is a generally rectangular parallelepiped forming the outer surface portion except for the front Y1 of the housing 10. However, a recess for forming the machine room MR, which will be described later, is formed at the rear Y2 of the lower Z2 end of the outer casing 10b.

[0026] The foam insulation material 10c is, for example, an insulation material composed of foam such as polyurethane foam, and is filled between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b. Between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b, there is an insulation material different from the foam insulation material 10c, namely a special insulation material 30. Details of the special insulation material 30 will be described later.

[0027] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the housing 10 has: an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, a left side wall 13, a right side wall 14, and a rear wall 15.

[0028] The upper wall 11 and the lower wall 12 extend in a generally horizontal manner. The left wall 13 and the right wall 14 rise upward Z1 from the left and right (left X1 and right X2) ends of the lower wall 12 and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 11.

[0029] like Figure 2 As shown, the rear wall 15 rises upward from the rear Y2 end of the lower wall 12 toward the upper Z1 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 11.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a plurality of storage compartments 17 are formed inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 17 include, for example: a refrigerator compartment 17A, a fresh food compartment 17B, a vegetable compartment 17C, an ice-making compartment 17D, a small freezer compartment 17E, and a main freezer compartment 17F.

[0031] In this embodiment, among the multiple storage compartments 17, the refrigerator compartment 17A is positioned at the top Z1. The vegetable compartment 17C is positioned below the refrigerator compartment 17A Z2. The ice-making compartment 17D and the small freezer compartment 17E are positioned below the vegetable compartment 17C Z2. The main freezer compartment 17F is positioned below the ice-making compartment 17D and the small freezer compartment 17E Z2. Furthermore, the small freezer compartment 17E is positioned to the right X2 of the ice-making compartment 17D.

[0032] However, the configuration of the storage compartment 17 is not limited to the example described above. The housing 10 has an opening at the front Y1 of each storage compartment 17, allowing food items or the like to enter and exit the storage compartment 17.

[0033] The fresh food compartment 17B is located below the refrigerator compartment 17A by Z2. The fresh food compartment 17B is at least partially demarcated relative to the refrigerator compartment 17A, for example by partitions or walls. The fresh food compartment 17B is located Z2 below the refrigerator compartment 17A to facilitate the flow of cold air, or it is located closer to the first cooler 61 (described later) than the refrigerator compartment 17A, thereby being cooled to a temperature lower than that of the refrigerator compartment 17A.

[0034] Alternatively, instead of the fresh food compartment 17B, the refrigerator 1 may also have a local compartment that is cooled to a local temperature range (approximately -4°C to -2°C), or a temperature switching compartment that can switch between multiple temperature ranges.

[0035] The housing 10 has a first partition 18 and a second partition 19. The first partition 18 and the second partition 19 are, for example, partition walls along a generally horizontal direction.

[0036] The first partition 18 is located between the refrigerator compartment 17A (fresh food compartment 17B) and the vegetable compartment 17C, and is used to separate the refrigerator compartment 17A (fresh food compartment 17B) and the vegetable compartment 17C.

[0037] The second partition 19 is located between the vegetable compartment 17C, the ice-making compartment 17D, and the small freezer compartment 17E, and is used to separate the vegetable compartment 17C from the ice-making compartment 17D and the small freezer compartment 17E. The second partition 19 includes, for example, foam insulation material and has heat insulation properties. The first partition 18 is formed, for example, of synthetic resin, and its heat insulation properties are lower than those of the second partition 19.

[0038] The temperature inside the vegetable compartment 17C is maintained at a higher temperature than that of the cold storage compartment 17A. Inside the vegetable compartment 17C, for example, there are vegetable compartment containers for storing vegetables and other stored items, and guide rails for moving the vegetable compartment containers along the front-back direction Y.

[0039] The interior temperatures of the ice-making compartment 17D, the small freezer compartment 17E, and the main freezer compartment 17F are maintained at a temperature sufficient to freeze the stored items. The interiors of the ice-making compartment 17D, the small freezer compartment 17E, and the main freezer compartment 17F are respectively provided with: storage containers for accommodating frozen stored items, and guide rails for moving the storage containers along the front-back direction Y.

[0040] The openings of multiple storage rooms 17 are covered by multiple doors 20 in a manner that allows them to be opened and closed. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multiple doors 20 include, for example: left refrigerator door 20Aa, right refrigerator door 20Ab, fresh food compartment door 20B, vegetable compartment door 20C, ice maker door 20D, small freezer compartment door 20E, and main freezer compartment door 20F.

[0041] The left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab are installed to allow opening and closing of the refrigerator compartment 17A. For example... Figure 2 As shown, the refrigerated compartment door 20B is located inside the refrigerated compartment 17A, compared to the left refrigerated compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerated compartment door 20Ab.

[0042] The door 20B of the cold storage compartment can be, for example, an integral part of the cold storage compartment container that contains the contents stored in the cold storage compartment 17B, which is pulled forward Y1 integrally with the cold storage compartment container, or it can be a type that is opened and closed by rotating around a hinge disposed adjacent to the cold storage compartment 17B.

[0043] Vegetable compartment door 20C is installed to allow opening and closing of vegetable compartment 17C. Ice maker door 20D is installed to allow opening and closing of ice maker 17D. Small freezer compartment door 20E is installed to allow opening and closing of small freezer compartment 17E. Main freezer compartment door 20F is installed to allow opening and closing of main freezer compartment 17F.

[0044] The left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab are, for example, revolving doors supported relative to the housing 10 and capable of rotating around a hinge (not shown) as the center of rotation. Revolving doors that open left and right like the left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab are sometimes also referred to as, for example, double doors, double-leaf doors, etc.

[0045] The width dimension X of the left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab can be either the same or different. Figure 1 In the example shown, the dimensions in the width direction X are different, with the left refrigerator door 20Aa being smaller than the right refrigerator door 20Ab.

[0046] Vegetable compartment door 20C, ice maker door 20D, small freezer compartment door 20E, and main freezer compartment door 20F are, for example, drawer-type doors.

[0047] Multiple door containers may also be installed behind the left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab at Y2. The multiple door containers may include, for example, door containers that are configured to move in the vertical direction Z, or door containers that are detachable from the left refrigerator door 20Aa and the right refrigerator door 20Ab.

[0048] Vegetable compartment container is connected to the rear Y2 side of vegetable compartment door 20C. Storage containers are connected to the rear Y2 side of ice compartment door 20D, small freezer compartment door 20E, and main freezer compartment door 20F, respectively.

[0049] Each of the multiple doors 20 contains, within its interior, suitable thermal insulation material. Suitable thermal insulation material may also include, for example, the same foam insulation material 10c described above, sheet insulation material, and vacuum insulation material.

[0050] The housing 10 is provided with various components for cooling each storage compartment 17. Examples of these components for cooling each storage compartment 17 include, for example, a first cooling module 60, a second cooling module 70, a compressor 80, and a condenser 91 (see reference). Figure 3 )etc.

[0051] At the rear Y2 and lower Z2 of the housing 10, for example, a mechanical chamber MR is provided for the compressor 80, condenser 91, evaporator (not shown), etc.

[0052] The first cooling module 60 includes, for example, a first cooler (refrigeration cooler) 61 and a first blower (refrigeration blower) 62.

[0053] The first cooler 61 is a cooler in the refrigerator 1 that cools the refrigerated area (refrigerated compartment) RA. In this embodiment, the refrigerated area RA includes the refrigerator compartment 17A, the fresh food compartment 17B, and the vegetable compartment 17C. In the following description, the storage compartment 17 cooled by the first cooler 61 will be referred to as the "refrigerated storage compartment".

[0054] A refrigeration cooler chamber 611 for housing the first cooler 61 is provided in the refrigeration area RA. In this embodiment, the refrigeration cooler chamber 611 is located at the rear Y2 of the vegetable compartment 17C. That is, the first cooler 61 is located at the rear Y2 of the vegetable compartment 17C. The refrigeration cooler chamber 611 is located at the rear Y2 within the refrigeration area RA.

[0055] The first blower 62 is positioned above the first cooler 61 at Z1. The first blower 62 is a cooling fan that circulates the cold air cooled by the first cooler 61 within the refrigeration area RA.

[0056] A flow path forming component 16a is provided at the rear Y2 of the refrigerated area RA to form a flow path (refrigerated compartment air path) RW, which is used to allow cold air supplied from the first cooler 61 to flow in the refrigerated area RA. The first blower 62 delivers the cold air formed by the first cooler 61 toward the refrigerated compartment air path RW surrounded by the flow path forming component 16a or the inner box 10a, etc., to form a cold airflow that circulates inside the refrigerated storage compartments (refrigerated compartment 17A, fresh food compartment 17B, vegetable compartment 17C) provided in the refrigerated area RA.

[0057] The second cooling module 70 includes, for example, a second cooler (refrigeration cooler) 71 and a second blower (refrigeration blower) 72. In the following description, the first cooler 61 and the second cooler 71 will sometimes be referred to simply as "coolers".

[0058] The second cooler 71 is a cooler that cools the freezing area (freezing zone) FA in the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the freezing area FA includes the ice-making compartment 17D, the small freezer compartment 17E, and the main freezer compartment 17F. In the following description, the storage compartment 17 cooled by the second cooler 71 will also be referred to as the "freezing storage compartment".

[0059] A freezer cooler chamber 711 is provided in the freezer area FA to house the second cooler 71. In this embodiment, the freezer cooler chamber 711 is located Y2 behind the main freezer compartment 17F. That is, the second cooler 71 is located Y2 behind the main freezer compartment 17F. Furthermore, the second cooler 71 is located Z2 further downward than the first cooler 61. The freezer cooler chamber 711 is located Y2 behind the freezer area FA.

[0060] The second blower 72 is positioned above the second cooler 71, Z1. In the vertical direction Z, the second blower 72 is positioned between the first cooler 61 and the second cooler 71. The second blower 72 is a cooling fan that circulates the cold air cooled by the second cooler 71 within the refrigeration zone FA.

[0061] A flow path forming component 16b is provided at the rear Y2 of the freezing zone FA, forming a flow path (freezer compartment air path) FW, which is used to allow cold air supplied from the second cooler 71 to flow in the freezing zone FA. The second blower 72 delivers the cold air formed by the second cooler 71 toward the freezer compartment air path FW surrounded by the flow path forming component 16b or the inner casing 10a, forming a cold airflow that circulates inside the freezer storage compartments (ice-making compartment 17D, small freezer compartment 17E, and main freezer compartment 17F) provided in the freezing zone FA.

[0062] The compressor 80 supplies refrigerant to the coolers 61 and 71. The coolers 61 and 71 cool the surrounding air by being supplied with refrigerant, for example, compressed by the compressor 80.

[0063] Next, an example of the configuration of the cooling device 90, including the condenser 91, will be described. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the cooling device 90 includes: a condenser 91, a dryer 92, a three-way valve 93, and capillary tubes 94 and 95.

[0064] The condenser 91 and the dryer 92 are connected sequentially to the high-pressure outlet of the compressor 80 via a connecting pipe 96. A three-way valve 93 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 92. The three-way valve 93 has one inlet and two outlets for connection to the dryer 92.

[0065] The capillary tube 94 on the refrigeration side and the first cooler 61 are sequentially connected to one of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93. The first cooler 61 is connected to the compressor 80 via a refrigeration side suction pipe 97, which serves as a connecting pipe.

[0066] The capillary tube 95 on the refrigeration side and the second cooler 71 are sequentially connected to the other outlet of the three-way valve 93. The second cooler 71 is connected to the compressor 80 via a refrigeration side suction pipe 98, which serves as a connecting pipe. A check valve 99 is provided between the second cooler 71 and the compressor 80 to prevent refrigerant from the first cooler 61 from flowing back towards the second cooler 71.

[0067] The refrigerant circulating in the cooling unit 90 is compressed by the compressor 80 into a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows in flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant is cooled by the condenser 91, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Subsequently, the liquid refrigerant, having passed through the dryer 92 to remove impurities such as dirt or moisture, enters the capillary tube 94 or 95 while being flow-limited by the three-way valve 93.

[0068] At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in capillary tube 94 or capillary tube 95 exchanges heat with the refrigerant in refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or freezing-side suction pipe 98 while being depressurized. The depressurized refrigerant evaporates as it passes through the first cooler 61 or the second cooler 71, thereby cooling the first cooler 61 or the second cooler 71.

[0069] Subsequently, the refrigerant, now in a low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous state, flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98. The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98 is, for example, around -10°C.

[0070] As the refrigerant gas passes through the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the capillary tube 94 or 95, eventually warming up to room temperature. Furthermore, the refrigerant gas is then drawn back into the compressor 80, completing the refrigerant cycle.

[0071] In the cooling device 90 described above, the three-way valve 93 is controlled by the control unit 100, which will be described later, to select, for example, one of the flow path B and the flow path C.

[0072] Flow path B is for supplying refrigerant to the first cooler 61. Flow path C is for supplying refrigerant to the second cooler 71. The two flow paths, B and C, merge at point D. Figure 3 As shown, the refrigerant flows from the confluence point D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 80. Thus, the control unit 100 alternately switches the refrigerant flow path between flow path B and flow path C by controlling the three-way valve 93.

[0073] Refrigerator 1 operates in refrigeration mode (refrigeration cooling operation) by allowing refrigerant to flow through flow path B to cool the refrigeration compartment in the refrigeration temperature zone. Additionally, refrigerator 1 operates in freezing mode (freezing cooling operation) by allowing refrigerant to flow through flow path C to cool the freezing compartment in the freezing temperature zone. For example, refrigeration and freezing operations are performed alternately.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, a control unit (control board) 100 is disposed on the upper surface of the upper wall 11. A recessed portion is formed at the rear Y2 of the upper surface of the upper wall 11, which is recessed downward Z2. The control unit 100 is disposed in this recessed portion.

[0075] The control unit 100 is a control device capable of controlling a part or the whole of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 is composed of a microcomputer or a computer including a timer for time measurement, etc.

[0076] The control unit 100 can be a software function implemented by using one or more hardware processors, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), to implement a computer program, or it can be implemented by hardware (e.g., a circuit) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or PLD (Programmable Logic Device). All or part of the control unit 100 can also be implemented by a combination of software function units and hardware.

[0077] The control unit 100 controls, for example, a first blower 62, a second blower 72, a compressor 80, and a three-way valve 93, which are connected to the control unit 100 via wired or wireless connection. The control unit 100 delivers refrigerant to flow path A by controlling the compressor 80. Furthermore, the control unit 100 switches the flow path of the refrigerant by controlling the three-way valve 93.

[0078] The control unit 100 may also include a power supply board that supplies power to the first blower 62, the second blower 72, the compressor 80, and the three-way valve 93.

[0079] Here, as Figure 4 As shown, a drain trough 40 and a drain pipe 50 are provided below the first cooler 61 at Z2 to drain the defrost water generated during defrosting of the first cooler 61. Although a drain trough and a drain pipe for draining the defrost water generated during defrosting of the second cooler 71 are also provided below the second cooler 71 at Z2, the illustration and description are omitted.

[0080] A drain trough 40 is located below the first cooler 61 at Z2, and serves as a component that receives defrost water from the first cooler 61 and delivers it to the drain pipe 50. The drain trough 40 is formed, for example, into a bottomed angled cylindrical shape, primarily receiving defrost water on its bottom surface. The defrost water received by the drain trough 40 flows into the drain pipe 50, which is connected to the drain trough 40.

[0081] The drain pipe 50 is a flexible drain hose that carries defrost water flowing from the drain trough 40 to the evaporating dish. The evaporating dish to which the defrost water is carried is, for example, located in the machine room MR. The drain pipe 50 is formed of a generally cylindrical component that allows defrost water to flow through the internal space. The drain pipe 50 is configured to, for example, pass through the interior of the rear wall 15.

[0082] In this embodiment, the drain pipe 50 has a first drain section 51 and a second drain section 52. In the following description, the first drain section 51 and the second drain section 52 will sometimes be referred to simply as "drain sections".

[0083] The first drainage section (sloping pipe section) 51 is the portion of the drainage pipe 50 located between the freezing zone FA and the special insulation material 30. For example... Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the first drainage section 51 is connected to the right X2 end of the drainage channel 40 and tilts to the right X2 as it tends downward Z2. Here, the special insulation material 30 is an insulation material disposed between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b, for example, a sheet-shaped vacuum insulation material having higher insulation performance than the foam insulation material 10c. It is not limited to a vacuum insulation material as long as the special insulation material 30 has higher insulation performance than the foam insulation material 10c. Alternatively, the first drainage section 51 may also be connected to the left X1 end of the drainage channel 40 and tilt to the left X1 as it tends downward Z2.

[0084] In this embodiment, the special thermal insulation material 30 is disposed inside the rear wall 15. The special thermal insulation material 30 may also be disposed inside the left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14. Figure 4 As shown, the special insulation material 30 is configured to cover at least a portion of the freezing area FA from the rear Y2, for example. The special insulation material 30 can also cover the refrigeration area RA from the rear Y2. Furthermore, the special insulation material 30 can be formed from a single insulation material or can be configured as multiple insulation materials. An insulation layer (insulation wall) comprising foam insulation material 10c and the special insulation material 30 is formed inside the rear wall 15. A drain pipe 50 is disposed inside this insulation layer.

[0085] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the insulation of refrigerator 1, it is preferable that an insulation layer composed of foam insulation material 10c and special insulation material 30 is also formed inside the left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14.

[0086] The special insulation material 30 is configured to overlap at least a portion of the freezing zone FA when viewed from the front-rear direction Y. In the drain pipe 50, the first drain section 51 is configured to be sandwiched between the freezing zone FA and the special insulation material 30 in the front-rear direction Y. For example, the freezing zone FA is positioned in front of the first drain section 51 at Y1, and the special insulation material 30 is positioned behind the first drain section 51 at Y2. The first drain section 51 is configured to overlap the rear surface (the surface behind Y2) of the freezing zone FA when viewed from the front-rear direction Y.

[0087] In refrigerator 1, the area where the first drainage section 51 is located is an area with high heat insulation capacity. Here, heat insulation capacity refers to the strength of heat insulation performance. Because a special heat insulation material 30 is provided behind the rear Y2 of the area where the first drainage section 51 is located, heat is difficult to enter from the outside of refrigerator 1 through the rear wall 15, thereby improving the heat insulation capacity.

[0088] Furthermore, since a freezing zone FA is disposed in front of the first drain section 51 (Y1), the area where the first drain section 51 is disposed is cooled by the cold air in the freezing zone FA. The area where the first drain section 51 is disposed is one where heat is difficult to transfer from the outside of the refrigerator 1 and is cooled by the cold air in the freezing zone FA; therefore, the temperature of the first drain section 51 is mainly maintained at the freezing temperature range or a low temperature range close to the freezing temperature range. Additionally, the first drain section 51 is configured such that, when viewed from the front-rear direction (Y), it overlaps with the freezer compartment 711 or the freezer compartment airflow path FW.

[0089] In this embodiment, defrosting water flowing from the drain trough 40 into the drain pipe 50 flows into a first drain section 51 connected to the drain trough 40. The internal space of the first drain section 51 communicates with an opening formed on the bottom surface of the drain trough 40.

[0090] The second drain section 52 is connected to the first drain section 51 and serves to deliver the defrosting water flowing through the first drain section 51 to the evaporating dish. The defrosting water received by the drain trough 40 from the first cooler 61 flows to the evaporating dish in the order of the first drain section 51 and the second drain section 52. That is, in the direction of the water flow of the defrosting water flowing through the drain pipe 50, the second drain section 52 is the portion connected downstream of the first drain section 51. In this embodiment, the second drain section 52 extends along the vertical direction Z.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second drainage section 52 is not covered by the special heat insulation material 30 from the rear Y2. Therefore, the area where the second drainage section 52 is located is an area where heat can easily enter from the outside of the refrigerator 1 compared to the area where the first drainage section 51 is located. That is, the area where the second drainage section 52 is located is an area with lower heat insulation capacity than the area where the first drainage section 51 is located.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the first drainage section 51 is connected to the end of the drainage groove 40 in the width direction X, and extends to the outside (outer side) and below Z2 of the refrigerator 1 to form an inclined pipe.

[0093] In this embodiment, the second drainage section 52 extends downward Z2 from the lower end of the first drainage section 51. For example... Figure 4As shown, the lower end of the second drainage section 52 may also be bent toward the inside (inner side) of the refrigerator 1, for example.

[0094] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, at least a portion of the first drainage section 51 is configured to overlap with the freezer compartment 711 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, at least a portion of the first drainage section 51 is configured to overlap with the freezer compartment airflow path FW when viewed from the vertical direction Z. At least a portion of the first drainage section 51 only needs to be configured to overlap with either the freezer compartment airflow path FW or the freezer compartment 711 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. The second drainage section 52 does not overlap with the freezer compartment 711 when viewed from the vertical direction Z.

[0095] In this embodiment, the special heat insulation material 30 has an inclined portion 31 whose width dimension decreases as it tends downwards (Z2). When viewed from the front-rear direction (Y), the drain pipe 50 is configured to overlap with the inclined portion 31. Specifically, when viewed from the front-rear direction (Y), the dividing portion connecting the first drain portion 51 and the second drain portion 52 overlaps with the inclined portion 31.

[0096] In the drain pipe 50, the first drain section 51 faces the outside of the refrigerator 1. Figure 4 Extending from the right side (X2), the boundary between the first drainage section 51 and the second drainage section 52 is positioned at a location overlapping the inclined section 31. The second drainage section 52 extends downward Z2 from the lower end of the first drainage section 51. The inclined section 31 of the special insulation material 30 decreases in width X as it tends downward Z2, and slopes inward toward the inside of the refrigerator 1. Accordingly, the second drainage section 52 is positioned in a region that does not overlap with the special insulation material 30 in the front-rear direction Y.

[0097] A heating element 50h is provided in the drain pipe 50 to heat the first drain section 51. The heating element 50h is, for example, a heating device installed on the outer peripheral surface of the first drain section 51. By heating the first drain section 51 with the heating element 50h, it is possible to prevent the defrosting water flowing in the first drain section 51 from freezing.

[0098] As described above, the area where the first drain section 51 is provided has higher heat insulation capacity than the area where the second drain section 52 is provided, and it is easier to maintain a low temperature by the cold air of the freezing zone FA. By heating the first drain section 51 by the heating section 50h, even if the temperature around the first drain section 51 is maintained in the freezing temperature range, it is possible to prevent the defrost water flowing in the first drain section 51 from freezing.

[0099] Since the second drain section 52 is located in an area with lower insulation compared to the area where the first drain section 51 is located, the defrost water flowing through the second drain section 52 will not freeze because heat will be transferred from the outside of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, by heating at least the first drain section 51 using the heating unit 50h, the freezing of the defrost water flowing through the drain pipe 50 can be suppressed. Accordingly, the reduction in defrosting performance of the refrigerator 1 can be prevented, thereby improving the convenience of the refrigerator 1.

[0100] Furthermore, the flow rate of defrosting water flowing in the inclined first drain section 51 is slower than that of defrosting water flowing in the second drain section 52, which extends in the vertical direction Z. Because the defrosting water flowing in the first drain section 51 flows at a slow rate in an area with high insulation, it is prone to freezing. Therefore, by using the heating unit 50h to heat the part of the drain pipe 50 where the defrosting water is prone to freezing, namely the first drain section 51, freezing of the defrosting water can be effectively prevented.

[0101] Since the refrigerator 1 can suppress the freezing of defrost water through the heating section for 50 hours, special insulation material 30 can be configured extensively. It is possible to configure special insulation material 30 having, for example, dimensions in the width direction X that are almost the same as those of the refrigeration area RA and the freezer area FA, thereby improving the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1.

[0102] In addition, since the refrigerator 1 can suppress the freezing of defrost water by means of the heating unit 50h, the configuration freedom of the first cooling module 60, the second cooling module 70 and the drain pipe 50 can be increased.

[0103] As described above, in the drain pipe through which defrost water flows, the flow rate of the defrost water is slower in the section inclined at a predetermined angle from the vertical direction (the inclined pipe section) compared to the section extending vertically (the straight pipe section). Therefore, if the inclined pipe section is located in an area with high insulation, the defrost water flowing in the inclined pipe section at a slower flow rate may freeze. Even if the straight pipe section is located in an area with high insulation, the defrost water flowing in the straight pipe section is less likely to freeze.

[0104] For example, when the first cooler is configured in Figure 2 When the first cooler 61 is positioned above the refrigerator compartment and the drain pipe in the refrigerator compartment is routed to the outside of the refrigerator, the inclined section of the drain pipe can extend to the evaporator without passing between the freezer compartment and the special insulation material (e.g., vacuum insulation). Therefore, even if the flow rate of the defrost water flowing through the inclined section is slow, the likelihood of the defrost water freezing in the inclined section of the drain pipe is lower. However, in this case, because the first cooler is located at the rear of the refrigerator compartment, the capacity of the refrigerator compartment may be reduced.

[0105] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has inclined pipes, and the heating unit 50h heats the first drain section 51 that passes between the freezing zone FA and the special insulation material 30, thereby suppressing the freezing of defrost water. Figure 2 As shown, the first cooler 61 can be positioned behind the vegetable compartment 17C at Y2. Therefore, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment can prevent the first cooler 61 from compressing the volume of the refrigerator compartment 17A and the fresh food compartment 17B, thereby ensuring the sufficient volume of the refrigerator compartment 17A and the fresh food compartment 17B.

[0106] Furthermore, by positioning the first drain section 51 at a position overlapping the freezer compartment FA when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the drain pipe 50 can be positioned on the central side in the width direction X of the refrigerator 1. Therefore, compared to positioning the drain pipe 50 on the outside, the volume of the storage compartment 17 can be made more efficient. In addition, the air inside the drain pipe 50 can be cooled by the freezer compartment FA, thereby suppressing the temperature rise of the refrigerator compartment.

[0107] Furthermore, the first drainage section 51 slopes downwards (Z2) and then inclines towards the width direction (X), thus slowing down the hot air flowing from the machine room MR through the drain pipe 50 to the refrigeration cooler compartment 611 within the first drainage section 51. Moreover, the interior of the first drainage section 51, located in an area with high insulation, is easily kept at a low temperature; by slowing down the hot air within the first drainage section 51, cooling is achieved. Accordingly, temperature rise in the refrigerated storage compartment can be effectively suppressed.

[0108] In this way, the air or hot air in the drain pipe 50 is effectively cooled, and the defrosting water flowing in the drain pipe 50 is prevented from freezing by the heating unit 50h. As a result, the temperature rise in the cold storage compartment and the freezing of the defrosting water in the drain pipe 50 can be well suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, when viewed from the front-rear direction Y, the second drainage section 52 does not overlap with the insulation wall located on the side of the freezing zone FA. The insulation wall located on the side of the freezing zone FA is an outer insulation wall located in the width direction X of the freezing zone FA, for example, an insulation wall composed of foam insulation material 10c or special insulation material 30 disposed inside the left side wall 13 or the right side wall 14. (The last sentence appears to be incomplete and possibly refers to a different section.) Figure 4 In the illustrated case of the right-side X2 detour, for example, the second drainage section 52 is configured such that it does not overlap with the heat insulation wall provided inside the right-side wall 14 when viewed from the front-rear direction Y.

[0110] By arranging the second drainage section 52 in a manner that does not overlap with the insulation wall provided on the side of the freezer compartment FA, it is not necessary to thicken the insulation layer of the freezer compartment. In addition, the situation where the temperature of the side wall (left side wall 13 or right side wall 14) of the refrigerator 1 is reduced by the low-temperature defrosting water flowing through the second drainage section 52 is suppressed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of condensation.

[0111] Next, the operation of the heating unit 50h will be explained. The heating unit 50h is controlled by the control unit 100.

[0112] When the refrigeration unit 100 is in operation, it controls the three-way valve 93 to supply refrigerant to the first cooler 61, thereby lowering the temperature of the refrigerated storage compartment in the refrigeration zone RA. At this time, since refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 71, the temperature of the frozen storage compartment in the freezing zone FA rises.

[0113] When refrigeration is in operation, the control unit 100 controls the three-way valve 93 to supply refrigerant to the second cooler 71, thereby lowering the temperature of the freezer compartment in the refrigeration zone FA. At this time, since refrigerant is not supplied to the first cooler 61, the temperature of the cold storage compartment in the refrigeration zone RA rises.

[0114] When recovering refrigerant from the first cooler 61, the control unit 100 defrosts the first cooler 61 by driving the first blower 62. By driving the first blower 62, the cold air in the refrigerated storage compartment is circulated, and the heated cold air in the refrigerated storage compartment returns to the refrigerated cooler compartment 611, thus defrosting the first cooler 61. If the first cooler 61 is equipped with a defrost heater (defrost heating unit), the control unit 100 can also defrost the first cooler 61 by driving the defrost heater.

[0115] Furthermore, when the control unit 100 recovers refrigerant from the first cooler 61, it may not be necessary to defrost the first cooler 61. For example, defrosting operation may be performed based on the detection results of the defrost detection unit 61a. The defrost detection unit 61a is, for example, a sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the first cooler 61.

[0116] For example, before starting defrosting operation on the first cooler 61, the control unit 100 heats the first drain section 51 via the heating unit 50h. When defrosting operation begins, defrost water from the first cooler 61 flows into the drain pipe 50. Therefore, by heating the first drain section 51 before starting defrosting operation, the freezing of the defrost water flowing in the first drain section 51 can be effectively prevented.

[0117] For example, when the temperature of the cold storage compartment reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, the control unit 100 stops the heating of the first drainage section 51 based on the heating unit 50h. At this time, the control unit 100 can obtain both the temperature of the cold storage compartment detected by the defrost detection unit 61a and the temperature of the cold storage compartment detected by a temperature sensor different from the defrost detection unit 61a installed in the cold storage compartment.

[0118] When the temperature in the cold storage compartment reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature, stopping the heating of the first drain section 51 based on the heating unit 50h can prevent the temperature in the first drain section 51 or the cold storage compartment from rising excessively. Furthermore, the temperature of the cold storage compartment, which is used as the threshold for stopping the heating unit 50h, can also be the temperature of the first cooler 61.

[0119] For example, when the temperature of the cold storage compartment is lower than a predetermined temperature, the control unit 100 heats the first drain section 51 via the heating unit 50h. This prevents defrost water from freezing due to a decrease in the temperature around the first cooler 61 or the first drain section 51. Furthermore, the temperature of the cold storage compartment, which is used as the threshold for initiating heating of the heating unit 50h, can also be the temperature of the first cooler 61.

[0120] During refrigeration operation based on the first cooler 61, the control unit 100 controls the second cooler 71 to stop the freezing operation based on the second cooler 71. Additionally, when the conditions for initiating freezing operation based on the second cooler 71 during defrosting of the first cooler 61 are met, the control unit 100 controls the second cooler 71 to perform freezing operation. At this time, the heating unit 50h begins heating the first drain section 51 from the end of defrosting of the first cooler 61 until the start of refrigeration operation.

[0121] During the period from the end of defrosting of the first cooler 61 to the start of refrigeration operation, freezing operation is sometimes performed. At this time, the defrost water produced by the first cooler 61 may freeze in the drain pipe 50 due to the temperature drop caused by freezing operation. By starting to heat the first drain pipe 51 based on the heating unit 50h during the period from the end of defrosting of the first cooler 61 to the start of refrigeration operation, heating can be performed based on the heating unit 50h when the defrost water is prone to freezing, thereby effectively preventing the defrost water from freezing. Furthermore, compared to always performing heating based on the heating unit 50h during defrosting, the power consumption of the heating unit 50h can be reduced, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0122] Furthermore, when defrosting the first cooler 61 by airflow from the first blower 62, the defrosting of the first cooler 61 is terminated by stopping the airflow from the first blower 62 if the defrosting termination condition is met but the cooling start condition of the first cooler 61 is not met. When defrosting the first cooler 61 by a defrosting heater, the defrosting of the first cooler 61 is terminated by stopping the energization of the defrosting heater.

[0123] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes: a storage compartment 17 with an opening, a cooler 61 for cooling the storage compartment 17, a freezing zone FA cooled to a temperature in the freezing temperature range, a drain pipe 50 having a drain section 51 between the freezing zone FA and the vacuum insulation material 30 in the front-rear direction Y and draining defrost water from the cooler 61, and a heating section 50h capable of heating the drain section 51, wherein the drain section 51 is configured to overlap with the rear surface of the freezing zone FA when viewed from the front-rear direction Y.

[0124] With this configuration, the freezing of defrost water flowing in the drain section 51 can be prevented, thereby improving the convenience of the refrigerator 1.

[0125] (Second Implementation)

[0126] The refrigerator 1A according to the second embodiment will be described. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used for configurations that are common to the technology already described, and repeated descriptions will be omitted.

[0127] Figure 6 This is a rear view showing the configuration of the drain pipe 50A of the refrigerator 1A according to the second embodiment. Figure 7 This is a plan view showing the arrangement of the drain pipe 50A of the refrigerator 1A according to the second embodiment.

[0128] like Figure 6 As shown, the right X2 end of the drain groove 40A of the refrigerator 1A is located at: Figure 4 The end of the drainage trough 40 shown is positioned further to the right (X2). The drainage pipe 50A, which is connected to the drainage trough 40A, is connected to the right (X2) end of the drainage trough 40A.

[0129] like Figure 7 As shown, the connection between the drain trough 40A and the drain pipe 50A does not overlap with the refrigeration cooler chamber 711 when viewed from the vertical direction Z. Therefore, as... Figure 6 As shown, even when the drain pipe 50A is configured along the vertical direction Z, since the drain pipe 50A does not interfere with the second cooler 71, it is not necessary for the drain pipe 50A to be configured as shown. Figure 4 The drain pipe 50 shown in the diagram meanders around the second cooler 71.

[0130] like Figure 6 As shown, in the drain pipe 50A extending along the vertical direction Z, a first drain section 51A is disposed between the freezing zone FA and the special insulation material 30. A second drain section 52A, connected downstream of the first drain section 51A, passes through an area not covered by the special insulation material 30. Therefore, the area where the first drain section 51A is disposed is an area with higher insulation capacity than the area where the second drain section 52A is disposed.

[0131] A heating element 50Ah capable of heating the first drain section 51A is installed in the first drain section 51A. In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1A heats the first drain section 51A, which is located in an area with high heat insulation capacity, through the heating element 50Ah in the drain pipe 50A extending in the vertical direction Z. This prevents the defrost water flowing in the first drain section 51A from freezing, thereby improving the convenience of the refrigerator 1A.

[0132] (Variation Example 1)

[0133] In the above embodiments, although the refrigerator 1 has two coolers: a first cooler 61 and a second cooler 71, the number of coolers in the refrigerator is not limited to this. The number of coolers provided in the refrigerator can be one or more.

[0134] Regardless of the number of coolers, the portion of the drain pipe through which the defrost water is discharged from the coolers is heated by a heating element located between the freezing zone and the special insulation material, which can prevent the defrost water flowing in the drain pipe from freezing.

[0135] (Variation Example 2)

[0136] In the above embodiments, although the drain pipes 50 and 50A are positioned further forward Y1 than the special insulation material 30, the arrangement of the drain pipes is not limited to this. The drain pipes may also be configured to overlap with the special insulation material when viewed from the width direction X.

[0137] For example, the first drainage section on the upstream side of the drain pipe can also be positioned in front of the special insulation material Y1, and bend backward Y2 by a second drainage section connected downstream of the first drainage section. The second drainage section and the special insulation material are configured to overlap when viewed from the width direction X.

[0138] Several embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc., can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are similarly included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, wherein, The refrigerator has the following features: A storage room with an opening; A cooler that cools the storage chamber; The freezing zone, which is cooled to a temperature within the freezing temperature range; A vacuum insulation material is disposed behind the freezing zone and overlaps with at least a portion of the freezing zone when viewed from the front-rear direction; A drain pipe having a drainage section between the frozen area and the vacuum insulation material in the front-back direction, and draining defrost water from the cooler, wherein the drainage section is configured to overlap with the rear surface of the frozen area when viewed from the front-back direction; as well as The heating element is capable of heating the drainage section.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The drain pipe has: a first drain section serving as the drainage section, and a second drain section extending downstream of the first drain section and along the vertical direction. The first drainage section is inclined downwards in the width direction and is positioned in a region where the thermal insulation capacity is higher than that of the region where the second drainage section is located.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, When viewed from the front-rear direction, the second drainage section does not overlap with the heat insulation wall located on the side of the freezing area.

4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The storage compartment is a cold storage compartment that is cooled to a temperature within the cold storage temperature range by a refrigeration cooler that serves as the refrigeration cooler. The freezing zone includes: a freezing cooler; a freezing storage compartment cooled by the freezing cooler in the freezing temperature zone; a freezing cooler chamber disposed at the rear of the freezing storage compartment and housing the freezing cooler; and a freezing compartment air duct disposed at the rear of the freezing storage compartment and capable of supplying cold air to the freezing storage compartment. The drainage section is configured to overlap with the refrigeration cooler chamber or the refrigeration chamber airflow when viewed from the front-rear direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The heating section begins heating the drainage section before the defrosting of the cooler begins.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, When the temperature in the storage chamber is lower than a predetermined temperature, the heating unit begins to heat the drainage section.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein, The refrigerator includes a refrigeration area comprising: a refrigeration compartment; a refrigeration cooler; and a refrigeration fan positioned above the refrigeration cooler and capable of supplying air to the refrigeration compartment. The freezing zone includes: a freezer compartment having an opening; a freezer cooler disposed below and at the rear of the freezing zone than the refrigerator cooler, and cooling the freezer compartment; a freezer blower disposed vertically between the refrigerator cooler and the freezer cooler, and capable of supplying air to the freezer compartment; a freezer compartment air duct supplying air to the freezer compartment via the freezer blower; and a freezer cooler chamber housing the freezer cooler. At least a portion of the first drainage section is configured to overlap with either the freezer chamber air duct or the freezer cooler chamber when viewed from the vertical direction.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein, The refrigerator includes a control unit that controls the refrigeration cooler and the freezing cooler. During refrigeration cooling operation based on the refrigeration cooler, the control unit stops the freezing cooling operation based on the refrigeration cooler. During defrosting of the refrigeration cooler, if the conditions for starting the freezing cooling operation based on the refrigeration cooler are met, the control unit starts the freezing cooling operation. During the period from the end of defrosting of the refrigeration cooler to the start of the refrigeration cooling operation, the heating unit starts heating the drainage unit.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The vacuum insulation material has an inclined portion whose width decreases as it tends downwards. The drain pipe is configured to overlap with the inclined portion when viewed from the front-rear direction.

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