refrigerator

Abstract

This embodiment provides a technical solution for a refrigerator whose air duct for supplying cold air to the storage compartment is configured to be openable and closable via an opening and closing part. Even if the opening and closing part is provided between a cooling section capable of cooling to the freezing temperature range and a storage compartment capable of cooling to the refrigeration temperature range, condensation at the opening and closing part can be suppressed, thereby preventing the opening and closing part from freezing. The refrigerator of this embodiment includes: a cooling section capable of generating cold air; and an air duct capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooling section to the storage compartment. The air duct includes an openable and closable air duct section that can be opened and closed via the opening and closing part and is connected to a special compartment on its downstream side. The opening and closing part includes an opening adjustment part capable of adjusting the opening degree of the openable and closable air duct section and a drive part capable of driving the opening adjustment part. A heat insulation part is provided in the air duct at a position downstream of the cooling section and upstream of the drive part.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] For example, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured to cool the refrigerator compartment using cold air generated by a cooler, and includes an air duct for supplying the cold air generated by the cooler to the refrigerator compartment, and a damper for opening and closing the air duct. With this configuration, by opening and closing the air duct using the damper, the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment can be changed, and the cooling temperature inside the refrigerator compartment can be adjusted or the cooling mode can be switched.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-194449

[0006] Furthermore, the refrigerator's cooler, by circulating refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle, can cool to the freezing temperature range, thereby generating cold air at that temperature. Moreover, the cold air generated by the cooler rises in temperature before reaching the refrigerator compartment after passing through the air duct, thus cooling the refrigerator compartment to the refrigeration temperature range. In other words, in the refrigerator, the cooler can cool to the freezing temperature range, and conversely, the refrigerator compartment can cool to the refrigeration temperature range. Therefore, the air duct supplying cold air to the refrigerator compartment has a damper positioned between the cooler (which cools to the freezing temperature range) and the refrigerator compartment (which cools to the refrigeration temperature range). In this configuration, condensation easily forms on the damper due to the temperature difference between the freezing and refrigeration temperature ranges. Furthermore, if the condensate on the damper freezes, opening and closing the air duct may become difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This embodiment provides a technical solution for a refrigerator in which the air duct for supplying cold air to the storage compartment is configured to be openable and closed via an opening and closing part. Even if the opening and closing part is provided between the cooling part, which can be cooled to the freezing temperature range, and the storage compartment, which can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range, the condensation generated at the opening and closing part can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the freezing of the opening and closing part.

[0008] The refrigerator of this embodiment includes: a cooling section capable of generating cold air; and an air duct capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooling section to a storage compartment. The air duct includes an openable and closable air duct section that can be opened and closed by an opening and closing section and is connected to a special compartment on its downstream side. The opening and closing section includes an opening adjustment section capable of adjusting the opening degree of the openable and closable air duct section and a drive section capable of driving the opening adjustment section. A heat insulation section is provided in the air duct at a position downstream of the cooling section and upstream of the drive section.

[0009] Invention Effects

[0010] According to this embodiment, even if the opening and closing part is provided between the cooling section that can be cooled to the freezing temperature range and the storage compartment that can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range, condensation can be suppressed in the opening and closing part, thereby suppressing the freezing of the opening and closing part. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 This is a front view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a front view that schematically shows an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a rear view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the rear side of the air conditioning duct in this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a rear view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the main parts of the cold airflow ventilation path in this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a front view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism in this embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a perspective view (one of the examples) that schematically shows the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism of this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 This is a perspective view (second example) that schematically shows the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism of this embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a perspective view (third example) that schematically shows the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism of this embodiment.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a perspective view (fourth one) that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism of this embodiment.

[0020] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal sectional side view (one of the examples) that schematically shows the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism and its surrounding parts in this embodiment.

[0021] Figure 11 This is a longitudinal sectional side view (second example) that schematically shows the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism and its surrounding parts in this embodiment.

[0022] Figure 12 This is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the rear side of the air conditioning duct in this embodiment.

[0023] Figure 13This is a longitudinal sectional side view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism and the periphery of the heat insulation part in this embodiment.

[0024] Figure 14 This is a rear view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism and the periphery of the heat insulation part in this embodiment.

[0025] Figure 15 This diagram illustrates the placement of the drive motor and the tilt angle of the heat insulation portion in this embodiment.

[0026] Figure 16 This is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the front side of the air conditioning duct in this embodiment.

[0027] Figure 17 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the light source and surrounding parts in this embodiment.

[0028] Figure 18 This is a perspective view that schematically illustrates an example of the configuration of the illumination unit in this embodiment.

[0029] Figure 19 This is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of the front configuration of the illumination cover according to this embodiment.

[0030] Figure 20 This is a perspective view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the rear side of the illumination cover according to this embodiment.

[0031] Figure 21 This is a longitudinal sectional side view that schematically shows an example of the configuration of the refrigeration unit and its surrounding parts in this embodiment.

[0032] Figure 22 This is a side view illustrating an example of the illumination range of the light source in this embodiment.

[0033] Figure 23 This is a top view illustrating an example of the illumination range of the light source in this embodiment.

[0034] Figure 24 This diagram is a schematic representation of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism and the arrangement within the air duct of a modified embodiment.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 10...Refrigerator, 12...Refrigerator compartment (storage compartment), 22...Frozen food cooling compartment (special compartment), 23...Lower horizontal partition (separator component), 24...Right vertical partition (separator component), 25...Left vertical partition (separator component), 100...Cold air duct (airflow forming component), 103...Cooler (cooling section), 121...Upper cold air outlet (outlet), 122...Lower right cold air outlet (outlet), 123...Lower left cold air outlet (outlet), 131...Cold airflow ventilation path (airflow path), 132, 133...Openable and closable airflow path, 141...Opening and closing mechanism (opening and closing section), 142b, 143b... Openable / closable component (opening adjustment part), 144...drive part, 137...branch air duct part, 137a, 137b...branch part, 137c...combination part, 201...heat insulation part, 201a...extension part, 201b...opposite part, 201c, 201d...tilted part, 204...front-to-back reduction part (first tilted part), 205...left-to-right expansion part (second tilted part), 303...lighting cover (covering part), 303a...exposed surface, 305...light source, 306...temperature detection sensor (temperature detection part), 401...flat part, 403...sealing component (airtight component), 404...tilted part. Detailed Implementation

[0037] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the refrigerator will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following description, [the following text refers to...] Figure 1 The refrigerator 10 shown is defined based on the main view of the refrigerator, specifying the vertical, horizontal, and front-back directions.

[0038] Figure 1 The illustrated refrigerator 10 has multiple storage compartments 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 formed inside a rectangular box-shaped insulated box 11 that constitutes its outer shape. Various stored items, such as food, can be accommodated and cooled inside the storage compartments 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the insulated box 11 is constructed with insulation material between the inner and outer boxes. Various insulation materials can be used as the insulation material constituting the insulated box 11, such as vacuum insulation panels, polyurethane foam, and molded insulation materials.

[0039] In this case, storage compartment 12 is a refrigerator compartment maintained at a refrigeration temperature. Hereinafter, storage compartment 12 is sometimes referred to as "refrigeration compartment 12". In this case, storage compartment 13 is a vegetable compartment maintained at a refrigeration temperature. Hereinafter, storage compartment 13 is sometimes referred to as "vegetable compartment 13". In this case, storage compartment 14 is an ice-making compartment maintained at a freezing temperature. Hereinafter, storage compartment 14 is sometimes referred to as "ice-making compartment 14". In this case, storage compartment 15 is a small freezer compartment maintained at a freezing temperature. Hereinafter, storage compartment 15 is sometimes referred to as "small freezer compartment 15". In this case, storage compartment 16 is a large freezer compartment maintained at a freezing temperature. Hereinafter, storage compartment 16 is sometimes referred to as "large freezer compartment 16".

[0040] The refrigerator compartment 12 is the uppermost of the multiple storage compartments 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the refrigerator 10. The vegetable compartment 13 is located below the refrigerator compartment 12 and is positioned at or near the center of the insulated housing 11 in the vertical direction. The ice maker 14 and the small freezer compartment 15 are located below the vegetable compartment 13 and are arranged horizontally within the insulated housing 11 along the left-right direction of the refrigerator 10. The large freezer compartment 16 is located below the ice maker compartment 14 and the small freezer compartment 15 within the insulated housing 11. The large freezer compartment 16 is the lowermost of the multiple storage compartments 12, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the refrigerator 10.

[0041] The refrigerator compartment 12 has a rectangular opening 12a on its front surface. The opening 12a is opened and closed by two refrigerator doors 12D[R] and 12D[L], which are rotatable in the left and right directions. Specifically, the opening 12a is configured to open and close by at least two refrigerator doors, in this case a right refrigerator door 12D[R] and a left refrigerator door 12D[L]. Alternatively, the refrigerator door may be a single door that opens and closes the opening 12a.

[0042] Vegetable compartment 13 has a rectangular opening 13a on its front surface. The opening 13a is opened and closed by a storage door, a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 13D, which can move in the front-back direction. Ice compartment 14 has a rectangular opening 14a on its front surface. The opening 14a is opened and closed by a storage door, a drawer-type ice compartment door 14D, which can move in the front-back direction. Small freezer compartment 15 has a rectangular opening 15a on its front surface. The opening 15a is opened and closed by a storage door, a drawer-type small freezer door 15D, which can move in the front-back direction. Large freezer compartment 16 has an opening 16a on its front surface. The opening 16a is opened and closed by a storage door, a drawer-type large freezer door 16D, which can move in the front-back direction.

[0043] Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment 12 is divided into a normal cooling compartment 21 and a chilled / fresh-cold compartment 22 by an upper horizontal partition 20. The upper horizontal partition 20 is formed as a rectangular thin plate extending in the front-back and left-right directions. The chilled / fresh-cold compartment 22 is an example of a special compartment, which is formed in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 12. In addition, the position and size of the chilled / fresh-cold compartment 22 in the refrigerator compartment 12 can be appropriately changed.

[0044] like Figure 2 As illustrated, the chilled food cooling chamber 22 is configured to be divided into multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower transverse partition 23, a right longitudinal partition 24, and a left longitudinal partition 25. The lower transverse partition 23 is formed as a rectangular thin plate extending in the front-back and left-right directions. The right longitudinal partition 24 and the left longitudinal partition 25 are both formed as rectangular walls extending in the front-back and up-down directions. Hereinafter, cooling chamber 31 is sometimes referred to as the "upper chilled food cooling chamber 31", cooling chamber 32 as the "lower right chilled food cooling chamber 32", cooling chamber 33 as the "lower left chilled food cooling chamber 33", and cooling chamber 34 as the "ice can cooling chamber 34".

[0045] The upper chilled compartment 31 is an elongated cooling compartment that extends across the entire left-right direction of the chilled compartment 22. The lower right chilled compartment 32 is formed below the upper chilled compartment 31 in a region to the right of the center of the chilled compartment 22 in the left-right direction. The left-right dimension of the lower right chilled compartment 32 is shorter than that of the upper chilled compartment 31. The lower left chilled compartment 33 is formed below the upper chilled compartment 31 in a region to the left of the center of the chilled compartment 22 in the left-right direction. The left-right dimension of the lower left chilled compartment 33 is shorter than that of the upper chilled compartment 31 and also shorter than that of the lower right chilled compartment 32. The ice-making cooling compartment 34 is formed below the upper chilled compartment 31 in a region to the left of the lower left chilled compartment 33. The left-right dimension of the ice can cooling chamber 34 is shorter than the left-right dimension of any of the cooling chambers: the upper ice-cold cooling chamber 31, the lower right ice-cold cooling chamber 32, and the lower left ice-cold cooling chamber 33.

[0046] The upper chilled compartment 31, the lower right chilled compartment 32, and the lower left chilled compartment 33 each contain (not shown) containers that can hold various stored items, such as food, and can be accessed in a front-to-back direction. Additionally, the ice-making tank (not shown) in the ice-making tank cooling compartment 34 contains an ice-making tank (not shown) that can store water for ice making and can be accessed in a front-to-back direction.

[0047] Additionally, a cold air duct 100 is installed at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 12. The cold air duct 100 includes a duct body 101 and a cold air generating section 102. The cold air generating section 102 contains... Figure 3 The illustrated components include the cooler 103 and the cooling fan 104. The cooler 103 is an example of a cooling unit, which, together with the compressor (not shown), heater, and throttle valve (not shown) of the refrigerator 10, forms a refrigeration cycle. The cooler 103 cools the refrigerant to the freezing temperature range by circulating it using the compressor in the refrigeration cycle, thereby generating cold air at the freezing temperature range. The cold air generated by the cooler 103 is directed by the cooling fan 104 into the pipe body 101 of the cold air duct 100, and then supplied from the pipe body 101 to the refrigerator compartment 12. As a result, the refrigerator compartment 12 is cooled to the target cooling temperature of the freezing temperature range.

[0048] Here, the cold air generated by the cooler 103, reaching the freezing temperature zone, experiences a temperature rise before reaching the refrigerator compartment 12 after passing through the pipe body 101 of the cold air duct 100. Therefore, the refrigerator compartment 12 is cooled to the freezing temperature zone instead of the freezing temperature zone. Thus, in the refrigerator 10, the cooler 103 can cool to the freezing temperature zone, while the refrigerator compartment 12 can cool to the freezing temperature zone.

[0049] Additionally, the cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 12 passes through a connecting hole (not shown) that connects the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13, and is also supplied to the vegetable compartment 13. As a result, the vegetable compartment 13 is cooled to the target cooling temperature within the refrigeration temperature range. The cold air supplied to the vegetable compartment 13 is returned to the cold air generating unit 102 by the airflow from the cooling fan 104, and is cooled again by the cooler 103. Through repeated circulation of this cold air, both the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are cooled and maintained at the target cooling temperature within the refrigeration temperature range.

[0050] As described above, the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigeration cooling system that cools the refrigerator compartment 12 (which is a storage compartment in the refrigeration temperature zone) and the vegetable compartment 13 to a target cooling temperature within the refrigeration temperature zone. Furthermore, although detailed descriptions are omitted, the refrigerator 10 also includes a freezing cooling system that cools the ice-making compartment 14, the small freezer compartment 15, and the large freezer compartment 16 (which are storage compartments in the freezing temperature zone) to a target cooling temperature within the freezing temperature zone. This freezing cooling system is also configured to include a refrigeration cycle including a cooler and a cooling fan. Alternatively, the refrigerator 10 can be configured to cool both the storage compartments in the refrigeration temperature zone and the storage compartments in the freezing temperature zone using a shared cooling system.

[0051] like Figure 3 As illustrated, the pipe body 101 has an upper pipe forming section 110 forming a portion located at the rear of the normal cooling chamber 21, and a lower pipe forming section 120 forming a portion located at the rear of the chilled cooling chamber 22. The upper pipe forming section 110 has a cold air outlet (not shown) that blows cold air into the normal cooling chamber 21. On the other hand, the lower pipe forming section 120 has an upper cold air outlet 121 that blows cold air into the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, a lower right cold air outlet 122 that blows cold air into the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32, and a lower left cold air outlet 123 that blows cold air into the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0052] In this configuration, the left-right dimension of the upper air outlet 121 is longer than that of the lower right air outlet 122, and also longer than that of the lower left air outlet 123. Furthermore, the left-right dimension of the lower right air outlet 122 is longer than that of the lower left air outlet 123. Additionally, the lower right air outlet 122 is located below the right end of the upper air outlet 121, and the lower left air outlet 123 is located below the left end of the upper air outlet 121.

[0053] like Figure 2As illustrated, when viewing the chilled food cooling compartment 22 from the front, the lower transverse partition 23 is positioned between the upper cold air outlet 121 and the lower right cold air outlet 122, and between the upper cold air outlet 121 and the lower left cold air outlet 123. Furthermore, when viewing the chilled food cooling compartment 22 from the front, the right longitudinal partition 24 is positioned between the lower right cold air outlet 122 and the lower left cold air outlet 123. And, when viewing the chilled food cooling compartment 22 from the front, the left longitudinal partition 25 is positioned to the left of the lower left cold air outlet 123.

[0054] Thus, the chilled cooling chamber 22 is divided into multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower transverse partition 23, a right longitudinal partition 24, and a left longitudinal partition 25 disposed between multiple air outlets 121, 122, and 123. The lower transverse partition 23, the right longitudinal partition 24, and the left longitudinal partition 25 can each be defined as an example of a partition component.

[0055] Next, an example of the configuration of the outer side of the air conditioning duct 100, which in this case is the rear side, will be described. The air conditioning duct 100 can be defined as an example of an airflow forming component. Figure 3 As illustrated, a cold airflow ventilation path 131 is provided at the rear of the cold air duct 100. The cold air duct 100 forms the cold airflow ventilation path 131 within the refrigerator compartment 12. Furthermore, the cold air generated by the cooler 103 in the freezing temperature range is guided into the cold airflow ventilation path 131 and flows through it by the airflow from the cooling fan 104. The cold airflow ventilation path 131 can be defined as an example of an airflow path capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooler 103 to the refrigerator compartment 12, which includes the normal cooling compartment 21 and the chilled compartment 22.

[0056] The cold airflow ventilation path 131 can supply cold air to the normal cooling chamber 21 via the upper duct forming section 110. Additionally, the cold airflow ventilation path 131 can supply cold air to the chilled / frozen cooling chamber 22 via the lower duct forming section 120. More specifically, as... Figure 4 As illustrated, the cold airflow ventilation path 131 includes openable and closable airflow sections 132 and 133 in a portion thereof. The openable and closable airflow sections 132 and 133 are divided by a rectangular dividing wall 134 with an open lower surface. Hereinafter, the openable and closable airflow section 132 located on the right side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10 will be referred to as the "right openable and closable airflow section 132", and the openable and closable airflow section 133 located on the left side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10 will be referred to as the "left openable and closable airflow section 133".

[0057] The openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are configured to be opened and closed via the opening and closing mechanism 141. The opening and closing mechanism 141 is arranged to block the opening portion of the lower surface of the dividing wall 134. Furthermore, the downstream side of the right openable and closable air passage 132 is connected to the lower right chilled and frozen compartment 32 via the lower right cold air outlet 122, thereby forming an air passage structure capable of supplying cold air to the lower right chilled and frozen compartment 32. Furthermore, the downstream side of the left openable and closable air passage 133 is connected to the lower left chilled and frozen compartment 33 via the lower left cold air outlet 123, thereby forming an air passage structure capable of supplying cold air to the lower left chilled and frozen compartment 33.

[0058] The lower right air outlet 122 can be defined as an example of an outlet that blows cold air from the right openable / closable air duct 132 into the lower right chilled / cooled chamber 32. Furthermore, the lower left air outlet 123 can be defined as an example of an outlet that blows cold air from the left openable / closable air duct 133 into the lower left chilled / cooled chamber 33.

[0059] Next, a detailed description of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism section 141 will be provided. The opening and closing mechanism section 141 is an example of an opening and closing section. For example... Figures 5 to 9 As illustrated, the opening and closing mechanism 141 includes a right-side openable and closable portion 142 and a left-side openable and closable portion 143. Furthermore, the opening and closing mechanism 141 has a rectangular drive portion 144 between the right-side openable and closable portion 142 and the left-side openable and closable portion 143. When viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10, the right-side openable and closable portion 142 is located to the right of the drive portion 144, and the left-side openable and closable portion 143 is located to the left of the drive portion 144. Additionally, the right-side openable and closable portion 142 extends rectangularly to the right from the lower part of the drive portion 144, and the left-side openable and closable portion 143 extends rectangularly to the left from the lower part of the drive portion 144. Moreover, the lower end of the drive portion 144 protrudes further downward than the lower surfaces of both the right-side openable and closable portion 142 and the left-side openable and closable portion 143.

[0060] The right-side openable / closable portion 142 has a right-side opening 142a with a rectangular opening. Furthermore, the right-side openable / closable portion 142 includes a rectangular plate-shaped right-side openable / closable member 142b capable of opening and closing the right-side opening 142a. The right-side openable / closable member 142b is configured to rotate vertically between a closed position (closing the right-side opening 142a) and an open position (opening the right-side opening 142a). Additionally, the rotation axis of the right-side openable / closable member 142b is along the rear edge of the right-side opening 142a in this case.

[0061] The left-side openable / closable portion 143 has a left-side opening 143a with a rectangular opening. Additionally, the left-side openable / closable portion 143 includes a rectangular plate-shaped left-side openable / closable member 143b capable of opening and closing the left-side opening 143a. The left-side openable / closable member 143b is configured to rotate vertically between a closed position (closing the left-side opening 143a) and an open position (opening the left-side opening 143a). Furthermore, in this case, the rotation axis of the left-side openable / closable member 143b is along the rear edge of the left-side opening 143a.

[0062] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 141 includes a drive motor 145 within the drive unit 144. In this case, the drive motor 145 is housed in the lower rear portion of the drive unit 144. Additionally, the drive unit 144 includes, in addition to the drive motor 145, components such as drive gears that transmit the driving force generated by the drive motor 145 to the openable / closable members 142b and 143b. The drive motor 145 can drive the right-side openable / closable member 142b in a closing direction to close the right-side opening 142a and in an opening direction to open the right-side opening 142a. Furthermore, the drive motor 145 can drive the left-side openable / closable member 143b in a closing direction to close the left-side opening 143a and in an opening direction to open the left-side opening 143a.

[0063] The opening and closing mechanism 141 is configured to drive multiple, in this case two, openable and closable components 142b and 143b, via a common drive motor 145. The opening and closing mechanism 141 configured in this way can be referred to, for example, as a "double damper device".

[0064] The drive motor 145 can be switched to, for example Figure 6 The drive mode that closes both the right opening 142a and the left opening 143a, as illustrated, is... Figure 7 The driving mode shown is such that the right opening 142a is opened while the left opening 143a is closed. Figure 8 The driving mode shown is such that the left opening 143a is opened while the right opening 142a is closed. Figure 9 The drive mode is operated in such an illustrated manner that both the right opening 142a and the left opening 143a are opened. The switching of the drive mode of the drive motor 145 can be controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 10.

[0065] The opening and closing mechanism 141 can adjust the opening degree of the right openable and closable air passage 132 connected to the lower right chilled and frozen compartment 32 by adjusting the opening degree of the right openable and closable member 142b relative to the right opening 142a. The right openable and closable member 142b can be defined as an example of an opening adjustment unit capable of adjusting the opening degree of the right openable and closable air passage 132.

[0066] Furthermore, by adjusting the opening degree of the left-side openable / closable member 143b relative to the left-side opening 143a, the opening degree of the left-side openable / closable air passage 133 connected to the lower left chilled / cooled chamber 33 can be adjusted. The left-side openable / closable member 143b can be defined as an example of an opening adjustment unit capable of adjusting the opening degree of the left-side openable / closable air passage 133.

[0067] Furthermore, in the opening and closing mechanism section 141, the right-side openable / closeable member 142b and the drive motor 145 are arranged in a left-right direction. Additionally, in the opening and closing mechanism section 141, the left-side openable / closeable member 143b and the drive motor 145 are arranged in a left-right direction. Furthermore, in the opening and closing mechanism section 141, the right-side openable / closeable member 142b and the left-side openable / closeable member 143b are arranged in a left-right direction with the drive motor 145 as a barrier.

[0068] like Figure 10 As illustrated, when the right-side openable / closeable air duct 132 is closed, the right-side openable / closeable component 142b is located closer to the lower right air outlet 122 (i.e., the front side) than the drive motor 145. Similarly, when the left-side openable / closeable air duct 133 is closed, the left-side openable / closeable component 143b is located closer to the lower left air outlet 123 (i.e., the front side) than the drive motor 145.

[0069] In addition, such as Figure 11 As illustrated, when the right-side openable / closeable air duct 132 is open, the right-side openable / closeable member 142b is positioned away from the lower right air outlet 122 towards the drive motor 145, i.e., the rear side. Similarly, when the left-side openable / closeable air duct 133 is open, the left-side openable / closeable member 143b is positioned away from the lower left air outlet 123 towards the drive motor 145, i.e., the rear side.

[0070] like Figure 12 As illustrated, a heat insulation component 200 is provided on the rear side of the air conditioning duct 100, on the upstream side of the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, i.e., on the side of the cooler 103. The heat insulation component 200 is formed entirely of a heat-insulating material such as expanded polystyrene, aerogel, or carbon fiber.

[0071] The heat insulation component 200 integrally comprises a heat insulation section 201, a fan holder 202, and a cold air generating chamber 203. The heat insulation section 201 is located downstream of the cooler 103 and cooling fan 104 and upstream of the opening / closing mechanism section 141 containing the drive motor 145 in the cold airflow ventilation path 131. Furthermore, the heat insulation section 201 is located between the cooler 103 and the opening / closing mechanism section 141 containing the drive motor 145 in the cold airflow ventilation path 131. Additionally, the heat insulation section 201 is located between the cooling fan 104 and the opening / closing mechanism section 141 containing the drive motor 145 in the cold airflow ventilation path 131.

[0072] The fan holder 202 is located slightly above the center of the heat insulation member 200 in the vertical direction. Inclined portions 202a and 202b are formed on the upper part of the fan holder 202. The inclined portions 202a and 202b are inclined in a manner that gradually rises outward in the horizontal direction of the heat insulation member 200. Furthermore, the inclined portions 202a and 202b are inclined in a manner that extends outward in the horizontal direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the cold airflow ventilation path 131. The cooling fan 104 is mounted by being clamped by the front end of the fan holder 202.

[0073] The cold air generating chamber 203 forms the lower part of the heat insulation component 200. In this case, the cold air generating chamber 203 forms a rectangular cold air generating space that surrounds the top, front, left, and right sides of the cooler 103. The cold air generated by the cooler 103 in the freezing temperature range within the cold air generating chamber 203 is guided into the duct body 101 by the airflow from the cooling fan 104.

[0074] like Figure 13 As illustrated, the size H1 of the heat insulation portion 201 in the front-rear direction is at least larger than the size H2 of the drive motor 145 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the heat insulation portion 201 extends rearward from the rear surface of the upper end of the heat insulation member 200 toward the rear wall of the heat insulation housing 11. Moreover, the rear surface of the heat insulation portion 201 is separated from the front surface of the rear wall of the heat insulation housing 11 by a small gap, for example, a few millimeters. Alternatively, the rear surface of the heat insulation portion 201 may also contact the rear wall of the heat insulation housing 11.

[0075] In addition, such as Figure 14As illustrated, the size H3 of the heat insulation portion 201 in the left-right direction is at least larger than the size H4 of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the heat insulation portion 201 has an extension 201a extending downstream of the cold airflow ventilation path 131 at a position in the left-right direction that is further outward than the end of the drive motor 145. The extension 201a extends upward along the left and right sides of the lower portion of the drive portion 144 of the opening / closing mechanism portion 141. Additionally, the extension 201a extends to a position where its front end contacts or approaches the lower surfaces of the right-side openable / closable portion 142 and the left-side openable / closable portion 143.

[0076] Additionally, the heat insulation section 201 has a counter section 201b opposite to the drive motor 145. The counter section 201b forms the central portion of the heat insulation section 201 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, this counter section 201b extends upstream, i.e., towards the cooler 103, compared to the portions of the heat insulation section 201 other than the counter section 201b. In this case, the counter section 201b is configured to extend in a triangular shape upstream of the cold airflow ventilation path 131.

[0077] The drive motor 145 can be defined as being located at the end of either of the openable / closeable air passage sections 132 and 133 in the left-right direction. To be more specific, as follows... Figure 15 As illustrated, the drive motor 145 can be positioned to the left of the center of the right-side openable / closed air passage 132 in the left-right direction. Specifically, according to this embodiment, the drive motor 145 can be positioned at the left end of the right-side openable / closed air passage 132 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the drive motor 145 can be positioned to the right of the center of the left-side openable / closed air passage 133 in the left-right direction. Specifically, according to this embodiment, the drive motor 145 can be positioned at the right end of the left-side openable / closed air passage 133 in the left-right direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the heat insulation section 201 is configured to have inclined sections 201c and 201d on the upstream side of the drive motor 145, which slope from the upstream side toward the downstream side. The inclination angle D1 of the inclined section 201c relative to the horizontal direction is an angle that is further toward the opposite side of the drive motor 145, i.e., the right side, than the end of the right openable air passage section 132 on the drive motor 145 side. In addition, the inclination angle D2 of the inclined section 201d relative to the horizontal direction is an angle that is further toward the opposite side of the drive motor 145, i.e., the left side, than the end of the left openable air passage section 133 on the drive motor 145 side.

[0079] like Figure 4As illustrated, the portion of the cold airflow ventilation path 131 corresponding to the inclined portion 201c becomes the inclined portion 202a of the aforementioned fan holding portion 202. The inclined portion 202a of the fan holding portion 202 is separated from the inclined portion 201c of the heat insulation portion 201 by a predetermined distance, thereby ensuring the cold air inlet path 135 between the inclined portion 201c of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portion 202a of the fan holding portion 202.

[0080] Furthermore, the portion of the cold airflow ventilation path 131 corresponding to the inclined portion 201d becomes the inclined portion 202b of the aforementioned fan holding portion 202. The inclined portion 202b of the fan holding portion 202 is separated from the inclined portion 201d of the heat insulation portion 201 by a predetermined distance, thereby ensuring the cold air inlet path 136 between the inclined portion 201d of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portion 202b of the fan holding portion 202.

[0081] Thus, upstream of the inlet portion of the cold air generation chamber 203 into the cold air flow ventilation path 131, an inlet air passage 135 and 136 with sufficient air passage area are formed. Therefore, the introduction of cold air from the cold air generation chamber 203 into the cold air flow ventilation path 131 can be carried out smoothly and efficiently.

[0082] In addition, such as Figure 4 As illustrated, the cold airflow ventilation path 131 includes a branch ventilation path 137. The branch ventilation path 137 is formed within the cold airflow ventilation path 131 as a separate ventilation path from the openable and closable ventilation paths 132 and 133. The branch ventilation path 137 has branch sections 137a and 137b and a converging section 137c. The branch sections 137a and 137b are separated to the left and right sides of the openable and closable ventilation paths 132 and 133, respectively. That is, the openable and closable ventilation paths 132 and 133 are sandwiched between the branch sections 137a and 137b in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the converging section 137c is a ventilation path structure formed by the converging of the branch sections 137a and 137b at a position downstream of the openable and closable ventilation paths 132 and 133.

[0083] In addition, such as Figure 3 As illustrated, the heat insulation member 200 has a front-to-back narrowing section 204 located upstream of the opening / closing mechanism section 141, where the airflow area in the front-to-back direction gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The heat insulation section 201 is located upstream of the lower end of the front-to-back narrowing section 204, near the downstream side (upper side). Furthermore, the position of the heat insulation section 201 can be appropriately varied, as long as it is located downstream of the upper end of the front-to-back narrowing section 204.

[0084] The heat insulation portion 201 is preferably located as far downstream as possible, i.e., as far upstream as possible, in the front-to-back narrowing portion 204. In the front-to-back narrowing portion 204, the further upstream (lower) the heat insulation portion 201 is located, the longer its front-to-back dimension becomes. This increases the difficulty of molding the heat insulation portion 201. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood of breakage or damage to the heat insulation portion 201 after molding. Therefore, the heat insulation portion 201 is preferably located as far downstream as possible in the front-to-back narrowing portion 204 to prevent its front-to-back dimension from becoming excessively long.

[0085] Furthermore, the heat insulation member 200 has a left-right expansion portion 205 located upstream of the opening / closing mechanism portion 141, where the airflow area of ​​the left-right airflow gradually increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The heat insulation member 200 is configured such that at least a portion of the left-right expansion portion 205 is disposed within a defined area including at least a portion of the front-rear reduction portion 204. More specifically, the heat insulation member 200 is configured such that the height position of at least a portion of the front-rear reduction portion 204 overlaps with the height position of at least a portion of the left-right expansion portion 205. In the configuration example of the refrigerator 10, the height position of the portion of the front-rear reduction portion 204 located below the center in the vertical direction overlaps with the height position of the portion of the left-right expansion portion 205 located above the center in the vertical direction.

[0086] A cooler 103 capable of generating cold air at freezing temperatures is provided at the rear of the cold air duct 100. Furthermore, the aforementioned front-to-back narrowing section 204 and left-to-right widening section 205 are provided at the rear of the cold air duct 100. The front-to-back narrowing section 204 can be defined as an example of a first inclined section, tilting rearwards as it moves from the upstream side of the cold air flow passage 131 towards the downstream side. The left-to-right widening section 205 can be defined as a second inclined section, tilting outwards in the left-to-right direction as it moves from the upstream side of the cold air flow passage 131 towards the downstream side.

[0087] Next, an example of the configuration of the inner side of the air conditioning duct 100, specifically the front side in this case, will be described. For example... Figure 16 As illustrated, the air conditioning duct 100 has multiple, in this case, two, chilled lighting units 301 and 302. In this case, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are provided on the surface of the lower duct forming section 120 of the duct body section 101 in the air conditioning duct 100 on the side of the chilled cooling chamber 22.

[0088] Furthermore, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are located in the area opposite the cold air ventilation path 131 on the side of the chilled cooling compartment 22 of the cold air duct 100. In other words, when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are located at a position where their entirety overlaps with the cold air ventilation path 131. Hereinafter, the chilled lighting unit 301 located on the right side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10 will sometimes be referred to as the "right chilled lighting unit 301", and the chilled lighting unit 302 located on the left side when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10 will be referred to as the "left chilled lighting unit 302".

[0089] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As illustrated, the right-side chilled compartment lighting unit 301 is configured to include an LED substrate 304 within the lighting cover 303 that forms its outer contour. A light source 305 is provided on the surface of the LED substrate 304, i.e., the inner side of the compartment. In this case, the light source 305 is a light-emitting diode (LED), but it can also be other light-emitting elements. The light source 305 is located in the area opposite the cold air ventilation path 131 on the surface of the chilled compartment 22 of the cold air duct 100. In other words, when viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10, the light source 305 is positioned where its entirety overlaps with the cold air ventilation path 131.

[0090] like Figure 18 As illustrated, the lighting cover 303 can be detachably installed in the area opposite the cold air ventilation path 131 on the side of the chilled cooling chamber 22 of the cold air duct 100, covering the entire LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305 from the chilled cooling chamber 22 side. Therefore, the lighting cover 303 can be defined as an example of a covering component.

[0091] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the left-side fresh-lighting section 302 has the same configuration as the right-side fresh-lighting section 301, and is configured such that an LED substrate 304 with a light source 305 is provided inside the lighting cover 303 that forms its outline.

[0092] like Figure 16 As illustrated, the refrigerator 10 is configured to have multiple light covers 303, including a light cover 303 that forms the outline of the right-side fresh-keeping light section 301 and a light cover 303 that forms the outline of the left-side fresh-keeping light section 302. The refrigerator 10 is configured such that the multiple light covers 303 and multiple cold air outlets 122, 123 are arranged in the left-right direction.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 19 and Figure 20As illustrated, the lighting cover 303 has an exposed surface 303a that protrudes into the chilled compartment 22 when installed on the air conditioning duct 100. The exposed surface 303a constitutes the left and right end faces of the lighting cover 303. The right exposed surface 303a of the lighting cover 303 installed on the right side of the air conditioning duct 100 is coplanar with the right side face of the air conditioning duct 100. Similarly, the left exposed surface 303a of the lighting cover 303 installed on the left side of the air conditioning duct 100 is coplanar with the left side face of the air conditioning duct 100. Therefore, when multiple lighting covers 303 are installed on the air conditioning duct 100, a continuous appearance can be formed where these multiple lighting covers 303 are integrated with the air conditioning duct 100.

[0094] In addition, such as Figure 18 , Figure 19 As illustrated, the lighting cover 303 has multiple, in this case, three vents 303b. The multiple vents 303b are arranged in a left-right direction. Furthermore, viewed from the front side of the refrigerator 10, the multiple vents 303b are located on the lower right side of the lighting cover 303. Additionally, an eaves 303c extending inwards is provided above the multiple vents 303b. The eaves 303c specifically prevent liquids, foreign objects, etc., from entering from above the vents 303b.

[0095] like Figure 20 As illustrated, a temperature sensor 306, serving as a temperature detection unit, is installed on the rear side of the vent 303b inside the lighting cover 303. The temperature sensor 306 is composed of, for example, a thermistor, and is capable of detecting the temperature of the cold air flowing into the lighting cover 303 through the vent 303b. In other words, it is capable of detecting the temperature of the cold air inside the chilled compartment 22 and, further, the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0096] Multiple, in this case two, lighting covers 303 are installed on the side of the chilled compartment 22 of the air conditioning duct 100. The multiple lighting covers 303 are not symmetrically arranged (left and right), but rather the left and right lighting covers 303 are of the same shape. Alternatively, the multiple lighting covers 303 may also be symmetrically arranged (left and right).

[0097] Furthermore, the LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305, located on the right side of the air duct 100, is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the lower right air outlet 122, which is the right side in this case. Conversely, the LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305, located on the left side of the air duct 100, is positioned outward in the left-right direction from the lower left air outlet 123, which is the left side in this case. Additionally, in the refrigerator 10, multiple light sources 305 are arranged in the left-right direction, sandwiching the lower right air outlet 122 and the lower left air outlet 123.

[0098] like Figure 21 As illustrated, a planar portion 401 is formed along the cold air ventilation path 131 in the area opposite to the cold air ventilation path 131 on the surface of the cold air duct 100 on the side of the chilled compartment 22. In this case, the planar portion 401 is along the vertical and horizontal directions of the refrigerator 10. In addition, the planar portion 401 is perpendicular to the front-back direction of the refrigerator 10 in this case. Furthermore, the planar portion 401 is located in the cold air duct 100 at a position rearward of the front end of the cold air outlets 122 and 123. In addition, a claw-shaped substrate holding portion 402 protruding into the interior of the refrigerator is formed in the planar portion 401. The substrate holding portion 402 is also located in the cold air duct 100 at a position rearward of the front end of the cold air outlets 122 and 123. Moreover, the entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305, is held by the substrate holding portion 402 in these planar portions 401.

[0099] The LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holding part 402 in the planar portion 401 is parallel to the planar portion 401. Therefore, the LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holding part 402 in the planar portion 401 is also along the vertical and horizontal directions of the refrigerator 10. In addition, the LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holding part 402 in the planar portion 401 is also along a direction that intersects with the front-back direction of the refrigerator 10, which is orthogonal in this case.

[0100] Furthermore, a sealing member 403 is provided on the planar portion 401. The sealing member 403 is formed in a linearly extending shape before being installed on the planar portion 401. Moreover, the sealing member 403 is installed on the planar portion 401 by bending this linearly extending member into a rectangular frame shape to surround the LED substrate 304. The sealing member 403 can be defined as an example of an airtight member for improving the airtightness of the area surrounding the LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305.

[0101] Furthermore, a rectangular frame-shaped wall portion 307 extending rearward is formed within the illumination cover 303. A sealing member 403 is embedded at the rear end of this wall portion 307 when the illumination cover 303 is installed in the air conditioning duct 100. Thus, the entire LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305 is surrounded by the wall portion 307. Therefore, the airtightness of the entire LED substrate 304 containing the light source 305 can be further improved.

[0102] Furthermore, a window 308 with a rectangular opening is provided in the portion of the lighting cover 303 located in front of the flat portion 401. Moreover, a light-transmitting component 309 made of a material that allows light to pass through, such as transparent plastic, is installed in this window 308.

[0103] like Figure 22 As illustrated, the vertical angle of the illumination range L1 of the light emanating from the light source 305 into the chilled compartment 22 is limited by the vertical dimension of the window 308. The vertical dimension of the window 308 can be appropriately varied within a range, for example, less than 120 degrees, of the illumination range L1 in the vertical direction.

[0104] like Figure 23 As illustrated, the angle in the left-right direction of the illumination range L2 of the light illuminating the chilled compartment 22 from the light source 305 is limited by the left-right dimensions of the window 308. The left-right dimensions of the window 308 can be appropriately varied within a range, for example, less than 120 degrees, of the illumination range L2 in the left-right direction.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the vertical dimension of the window 308 is shorter than its horizontal dimension. Therefore, the vertical illumination range L1 is narrower than the horizontal illumination range L2. However, the window 308 can also be configured such that its vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension, in which case the vertical illumination range L1 is wider than the horizontal illumination range L2. Alternatively, the window 308 can be configured such that its vertical dimension and horizontal dimension are the same length, in which case the vertical illumination range L1 and the horizontal illumination range L2 are the same size.

[0106] like Figure 21As illustrated, in the area opposite the cold air ventilation path 131 on the surface of the chilled compartment 22 of the cold air duct 100, an inclined portion 404 is formed that is inclined relative to the flat portion 401, in a portion different from the flat portion 401. In this case, the inclined portion 404 is provided at the lower part of the flat portion 401. In addition, the inclined portion 404 is inclined in a manner that descends from the lower end of the flat portion 401 towards the front. The temperature detection sensor 306 is disposed in front of the inclined portion 404. Therefore, the temperature detection sensor 306 can be disposed as close as possible to the inside of the compartment.

[0107] The refrigerator 10 configured as described above includes a cooler 103 capable of generating cold air and a cold air ventilation path 131 capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooler 103 into the refrigerator compartment 12. The cold air ventilation path 131 includes openable and closable air duct sections 132 and 133. The openable and closable air duct sections 132 and 133 can be opened and closed via an opening and closing mechanism 141, and their downstream sides are connected to the chilled / fresh-keeping compartment 22 within the refrigerator compartment 12. Furthermore, the opening and closing mechanism 141 includes openable and closable components 142b and 143b capable of adjusting the opening degree of the openable and closable air duct sections 132 and 133, and a drive motor 145 capable of driving these openable and closable components 142b and 143b. In addition, according to the refrigerator 10, a heat insulation section 201 is provided in the cold air ventilation path 131 at a position downstream of the cooler 103 and upstream of the drive motor 145.

[0108] That is, the refrigerator 10 is configured such that at least a portion of the cold airflow ventilation path 131 that supplies cold air to the refrigerator compartment 12 can be opened and closed by an opening and closing mechanism 141, which is configured to be located between the cooler 103, which is capable of cooling to the freezing temperature range, and the refrigerator compartment 12, which is capable of cooling to the refrigeration temperature range. Moreover, the refrigerator 10 configured in this way has a heat insulation section 201 located in the cold airflow ventilation path 131, downstream of the cooler 103 and upstream of the drive motor 145.

[0109] The refrigerator 10 configured in this way can prevent the cold air supplied from the cooler 103 from directly contacting the opening and closing mechanism 141, which includes the drive motor 145, through the heat insulation section 201. Therefore, the heat insulation section 201 can prevent condensation from forming on the opening and closing mechanism 141, which includes the drive motor 145, and thus can prevent the opening and closing mechanism 141, which includes the drive motor 145, from freezing. As a result, it is possible to maintain a state in which the openable and closable air ducts 132 and 133 can be opened and closed smoothly, and the cooling intensity in the refrigerator compartment 12 and the chilled compartment 22 can be adjusted with high precision.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the openable / closable components 142b and 143b and the drive motor 145 are arranged in a left-right direction. According to this configuration, the heat insulation portion 201 can be arranged upstream of the drive motor 145 in the opening / closing mechanism 141 without the openable / closable components 142b and 143b. Therefore, the heat insulation effect of the heat insulation portion 201 can directly act on the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141 in particular where the drive motor 145 is located. This allows for more effective suppression of freezing in the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141 in particular where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the size of the heat insulation portion 201 in the front-to-back direction is larger than the size of the drive motor 145 in the front-to-back direction. According to this configuration, in the front-to-back direction, the heat insulation portion 201 can cover the entire portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, particularly where the drive motor 145 is located, from the upstream side of the cold airflow ventilation path 131. Therefore, freezing of the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, particularly where the drive motor 145 is located, can be more effectively suppressed.

[0112] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the size of the heat insulation section 201 in the left-right direction is larger than the size of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, in the left-right direction, the heat insulation section 201 can cover the entire portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, particularly where the drive motor 145 is located, from the upstream side of the cold airflow ventilation path 131. Therefore, freezing of the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, particularly where the drive motor 145 is located, can be more effectively suppressed.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the heat insulation section 201 has an extension 201a extending downstream from the end of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, the left and right portions of the opening / closing mechanism section 141, particularly the portion where the drive motor 145 is located, can also be covered by the extension 201a. This allows for more effective suppression of freezing in the opening / closing mechanism section 141, particularly the portion where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the heat insulation section 201 has a counter section 201b opposite to the drive motor 145. Moreover, this counter section 201b extends further upstream than the portion of the heat insulation section 201 other than the counter section 201b. According to this configuration, the thickness of the counter section 201b opposite to the drive motor 145 in the heat insulation section 201 can be made thicker than the portion other than the counter section 201b. Therefore, freezing in the opening / closing mechanism section 141, particularly in the area where the drive motor 145 is located, can be more effectively suppressed.

[0115] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the central portion of the heat insulation section 201 in the left-right direction extends upstream of the cold airflow ventilation path 131. In this case, the central portion in the left-right direction of the heat insulation section 201 is configured as the aforementioned opposing portion 201b. Therefore, by means of the heat insulation section 201, whose thickness in the central portion in the left-right direction is thicker than other portions, the portion of the opening and closing mechanism section 141, especially the portion where the drive motor 145 is located, can be more adequately insulated.

[0116] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 of this disclosure is configured such that a drive motor 145 is provided at either end of the right-side openable / closed air duct section 132 in the left-right direction. Additionally, the refrigerator 10 of this disclosure is configured such that a drive motor 145 is provided at either end of the left-side openable / closed air duct section 133 in the left-right direction. Specifically, according to the refrigerator 10, the drive motor 145 is provided at the left end of the right-side openable / closed air duct section 132 in the left-right direction and at the right end of the left-side openable / closed air duct section 133 in the left-right direction. Moreover, the heat insulation section 201 has inclined portions 201c and 201d on the upstream side of the drive motor 145, which are inclined from the upstream side towards the downstream side. Furthermore, the inclination angles D1 and D2 of these inclined portions 201c and 201d are angles that are further towards the opposite side of the drive motor 145 than the ends of the openable / closed air duct sections 132 and 133 on the drive motor 145 side. That is, the inclined parts 201c and 201d are inclined in a direction that gradually moves away from the drive motor 145.

[0117] According to this configuration example, the inclined portions 201c and 201d can guide the cold air away from the drive motor 145, which can more effectively suppress freezing in the opening and closing mechanism 141, especially in the portion where the drive motor 145 is located. Furthermore, when it is desired to suppress the supply of cold air to the lower right chilled compartment 32 and the lower left chilled compartment 33 and promote the supply of cold air to the upper chilled compartment 31, the cold air can be efficiently guided not to the right openable air passage 132 connected to the lower right chilled compartment 32 and the left openable air passage 133 connected to the lower left chilled compartment 33, but to the branch air passage 137 connected to the upper chilled compartment 31, thereby promoting the cooling of the upper chilled compartment 31.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202 are provided in the cold airflow ventilation path 131 corresponding to the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulation portion 201. Moreover, these inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202 are spaced a predetermined distance away from the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulation portion 201. According to this configuration, an airflow guide path 135 and 136 with sufficient airflow area can be formed between the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202, allowing for smoother and more efficient introduction of cold air into the cold airflow ventilation path 131 via such airflow guide paths 135 and 136. Furthermore, the predetermined distance between the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holding portion 202, in other words, the size of the air passage area of ​​the air inlet passages 135 and 136 can be appropriately changed to implement this.

[0119] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold airflow ventilation duct 131 has a branch airflow duct 137 that is separate from the openable and closable airflow ducts 132 and 133. Moreover, the branch airflow duct 137 has branches 137a and 137b that separate to the left and right sides of the openable and closable airflow ducts 132 and 133, and a converging section 137c formed by the branches 137a and 137b converging at a position downstream of the openable and closable airflow ducts 132 and 133. That is, according to the refrigerator 10, it has openable and closable airflow ducts 132 and 133 that supply cold air to the lower right and lower left fresh-keeping compartments 32 and 33, and also has a branch airflow duct 137 that branches off to supply cold air to the upper fresh-keeping compartment 31.

[0120] According to this configuration example, even when branch air passages 137 are provided in addition to the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, these air passages 132, 133, and 137 can be compactly arranged. Furthermore, since the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, which are opened and closed by the opening and closing mechanism 141, can be reasonably concentrated between the branches 137a and 137b of the branch air passage 137, it is easy to achieve a configuration in which multiple openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 can be opened and closed by a single opening and closing mechanism 141.

[0121] Furthermore, according to the branch air duct section 137, the cold air dispersed to the branch section 137a and the branch section 137b can be converged at the confluence section 137c and then supplied to the upper-level chilled and frozen compartment 31 and the refrigerator compartment 12. Therefore, even if a portion of the branch air duct section 137 is dispersed, the reduction in the amount and intensity of the cold air supplied to the upper-level chilled and frozen compartment 31 and the refrigerator compartment 12 can be suppressed.

[0122] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the drive motor 145 is positioned to the left or right of the center of the openable / closed air duct sections 132 and 133 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the drive motor 145 can be prevented from becoming a drag on the airflow within the openable / closed air duct section 132 or 133. Therefore, it is possible to maintain smooth airflow within the openable / closed air duct section 132 or 133.

[0123] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 includes outlets 122 and 123 that blow cold air from the openable and closable air ducts 132 and 133 into the chilled compartment 22. Moreover, the openable and closable components 142b and 143b, when the openable and closable air ducts 132 and 133 are closed, are positioned closer to the outlets 122 and 123 than the drive motor 145. Additionally, the openable and closable components 142b and 143b, when the openable and closable air ducts 132 and 133 are open, are positioned away from the outlets 122 and 123 towards the drive motor 145.

[0124] According to this configuration, the openable / closable components 142b and 143b, when the openable / closable air passages 132 and 133 are open, can prevent them from blocking the outlets 122 and 123, thus ensuring smooth airflow through the openable / closable air passages 132 and 133. Furthermore, according to this configuration, the openable / closable components 142b and 143b, when the openable / closable air passages 132 and 133 are partially open or partially closed, have their front ends pointing towards the outlets 122 and 123. Therefore, even when the openable / closable air passages 132 and 133 are partially open or partially closed, the openable / closable components 142b and 143b can guide cold air towards the outlets 122 and 123, ensuring sufficient supply of cold air to the lower right and lower left chilled / cooled compartments 32 and 33.

[0125] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, a front-to-back narrowing section 204 is provided upstream of the opening / closing mechanism section 141, wherein the air passage area of ​​the front-to-back cold airflow ventilation passage 131 gradually decreases towards the downstream side. Additionally, a heat insulation section 201 is provided downstream of the upstream end of this front-to-back narrowing section 204. According to this configuration, cold air can be guided towards the heat insulation section 201 via the front-to-back narrowing section 204, and more cold air can be insulated by the heat insulation section 201.

[0126] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, a left-right expansion section 205 is provided upstream of the opening / closing mechanism section 141, wherein the air passage area of ​​the left-right cold airflow ventilation passage 131 is expanded towards the downstream side. According to this configuration, the left-right expansion section 205 can be used to guide cold air away from the heat insulation section 201. Therefore, the front-back narrowing section 204 can prevent excessive accumulation of cold air on the heat insulation section 201 side.

[0127] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, at least a portion of the lateral expansion portion 205 is provided in a defined area including at least a portion of the front-to-back narrowing portion 204. That is, the refrigerator 10 is configured such that the height position of at least a portion of the front-to-back narrowing portion 204 overlaps with the height position of at least a portion of the lateral expansion portion 205. According to this configuration, the reduction of the airflow area based on the front-to-back narrowing portion 204 and the expansion of the airflow area based on the lateral expansion portion 205 can be performed in approximately the same area. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the formation of portions where the airflow area of ​​the cold airflow ventilation path 131 decreases or increases abruptly, and to achieve a stable airflow configuration that suppresses abrupt changes in the wind speed and airflow volume of the cold air within the cold airflow ventilation path 131.

[0128] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, a cold air duct 100 is provided, which forms a cold airflow ventilation path 131 within the refrigerator compartment 12 for the flow of cold air. Additionally, according to the refrigerator 10, a light source 305 is provided in the area opposite the cold airflow ventilation path 131 on the refrigerator compartment 12 side surface of the cold air duct 100. Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, an illumination cover 303 is installed in the area opposite the cold airflow ventilation path 131 on the refrigerator compartment 12 side surface of the cold air duct 100. Moreover, the illumination cover 303 covers the light source 305 from the refrigerator compartment 12 side by being installed on the cold air duct 100.

[0129] According to this configuration example, for the refrigerator 10 that has a light source 305 in the refrigerator compartment 12, the light source 305 can be housed in the side of the refrigerator compartment 12 in the cold air duct 100 in a manner that does not protrude into the inside of the refrigerator or into the cold air ventilation path 131. Therefore, the light source 305 can be provided without reducing the volume of the refrigerator compartment 12 or narrowing the cold air ventilation path 131.

[0130] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, a flat portion 401 is formed along the cold air ventilation path 131 in the area opposite to the cold air ventilation path 131 on the surface of the cold air duct 100 on the side of the refrigerator compartment 12. Moreover, the light source 305 is disposed on this flat portion 401. Furthermore, a sealing member 403 for improving the airtightness around the light source 305 is provided on this flat portion 401.

[0131] According to this configuration, the airtightness around the light source 305 can be improved by the sealing member 403, and condensation around the light source 305 can be suppressed. In addition, by providing the sealing member 403 on the flat portion 401, bending or flexing of the sealing member 403 can be suppressed, and the airtightness around the light source 305 can be easily further improved.

[0132] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, in the area opposite the cold air ventilation passage 131 on the surface of the cold air duct 100 on the side of the refrigerator compartment 12, an inclined portion 404 is formed that is inclined relative to the flat portion 401, in a portion different from the flat portion 401. In the cold air duct 100 that forms the cold air ventilation passage 131, for example, for the purpose of ensuring the air passage area of ​​the cold air ventilation passage 131, ensuring the area where the heat insulation member 200 is arranged, an inclined portion such as the inclined portion 404 is generally provided. According to the refrigerator 10, the sealing member 403 is arranged on the flat portion 401 instead of such an inclined portion. Therefore, the sealing member 403 can be arranged along the flat portion 401 without bending or twisting, and a configuration that can easily further improve the airtightness around the light source 305 can be achieved.

[0133] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold air duct 100 has multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123 for blowing cold air into the chilled compartment 22. Also, according to the refrigerator 10, multiple lighting covers 303 and multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123 are arranged in a left-right direction. Here, in the refrigerator 10, the multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123 are components for blowing cold air into the chilled compartment 22, and are therefore positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled compartment 22. Furthermore, relative to the cold air outlets 122 and 123 positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled compartment 22, the multiple lighting covers 303 arranged in a left-right direction are also positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled compartment 22.

[0134] Therefore, according to the refrigerator 10, the chilled light units 301 and 302, whose outlines are formed by these light covers 303, can be arranged between the upper and lower ends of the chilled cooling chamber 22. With this configuration, light can be efficiently irradiated into the chilled cooling chamber 22 from the chilled light units 301 and 302.

[0135] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold air duct 100 has multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123 that blow cold air into the chilled compartment 22. Also, according to the refrigerator 10, multiple light sources 305 are positioned laterally than the cold air outlets 122 and 123 in the left-right direction. Additionally, according to the refrigerator 10, the multiple light sources 305 are arranged in a manner that sandwiches the cold air outlets 122 and 123 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123 can be centrally located in the left-right direction, allowing for efficient distribution of cold air from a single cold airflow ventilation path 131 to the multiple cold air outlets 122 and 123.

[0136] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the lighting cover 303 has an exposed surface 303a that protrudes into the chilled compartment 22 when installed in the air duct 100. This exposed surface 303a is located at the end of the lighting cover 303 in the left-right direction. According to this configuration, when the lighting cover 303 is installed in the air duct 100, the exposed surface 303a, as part of the lighting cover 303, is coplanar with the side of the air duct 100. Therefore, a continuous appearance integrating the lighting cover 303 and the air duct 100 can be achieved.

[0137] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, a plurality of illumination covers 303 are installed on the side of the chilled compartment 22 of the air duct 100. Moreover, these plurality of illumination covers 303 are of the same shape. According to this configuration example, for either the right chilled compartment 301 located on the right side of the air duct 100 or the left chilled compartment 302 located on the left side, the illumination covers 303 can be used as components of the same shape, which can suppress the increase in the types of components processed.

[0138] Furthermore, regarding the right-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 301 located on the right side of the air conditioning duct 100 and the left-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 302 located on the left side, if they are configured with illumination covers of different shapes, it is possible to incorrectly assemble them, such as installing the illumination cover for the right-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 301 on the left-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 302, or installing the illumination cover for the left-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 302 on the right-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 301. According to the refrigerator 10, such incorrect assembly can be avoided, and the manufacturing process of the refrigerator 10 can be made more efficient.

[0139] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the chilled compartment 22 is configured to be divided into multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower horizontal partition 23, a right vertical partition 24, and a left vertical partition 25 disposed between multiple air outlets 121, 122, and 123. According to this configuration, the lower horizontal partition 23, the right vertical partition 24, and the left vertical partition 25 can suppress the flow of cold air between the multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34, and can maintain the temperature in each cooling chamber 31, 32, 33, and 34 at a different temperature.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the right-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 301, located on the right side of the air duct 100, is positioned in the center or around the center of the lower right fresh-keeping cooling compartment 32 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the entire lower right fresh-keeping cooling compartment 32 can be easily illuminated from the right-side illumination unit 301. Additionally, the left-side fresh-keeping illumination unit 302, located on the left side of the air duct 100, is positioned in the center or around the center of the lower left fresh-keeping cooling compartment 33 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the entire lower left fresh-keeping cooling compartment 33 can be easily illuminated from the left-side illumination unit 302.

[0141] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, a temperature sensor 306 that detects the temperature inside the chilled compartment 22 is installed inside the illumination cover 303. According to this configuration, the temperature sensor 306 can be configured within the space formed inside the illumination cover 303. Additionally, the space formed inside the illumination cover 303 is separated from the refrigerator compartment 12 and the cold air ventilation path 131. Therefore, temperature detection by the temperature sensor 306 can be performed while suppressing the influence of cold air flowing within the refrigerator compartment 12 and the cold air ventilation path 131, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature detection. Furthermore, the ability to install the illumination cover 303 simultaneously with the cold air duct 100 allows for more efficient manufacturing of the refrigerator 10.

[0142] Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to the one described above, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from its main idea. For example, the storage compartment provided with the cold airflow ventilation path 131 and the light source 305 is not limited to the refrigerator compartment 12, but can also be other storage compartments. In addition, this embodiment can be applied not only to refrigerators with both a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, but also to refrigerators with only a refrigerator compartment, freezers with only a freezer compartment, etc.

[0143] Alternatively, the chilled / cooled compartment 22 may not be located within the refrigerator compartment 12, but rather within a storage room other than the refrigerator compartment 12. In this case, the chilled / cooled compartment 22 may be located, for example, within at least one of the storage rooms within the vegetable compartment 13, the ice-making compartment 14, the small freezer compartment 15, or the large freezer compartment 16, or it may be provided as a separate storage room different from these storage rooms 13, 14, 15, and 16.

[0144] In addition, such as Figure 24 As illustrated, the refrigerator 10 may also be configured to have an opening and closing mechanism 441, such as a "single damper device," in the cold airflow ventilation path 431. The opening and closing mechanism 441 is configured to drive an openable and closable member 442b via a drive motor 445. The openable and closable member 442b is an example of an opening degree adjustment unit that opens and closes the opening 442a through which cold air can pass.

[0145] With such an opening and closing mechanism 441, the drive motor 445 can also be configured to be located at either end of the cold airflow ventilation path 431 in the left-right direction. This prevents the drive motor 445 from becoming a drag on the airflow path.

[0146] Furthermore, the heat insulation part 201 can be integrally provided as part of the heat insulation component 200, or it can be provided as a component different from the heat insulation component 200. In addition, the shape, size, etc. of the heat insulation part 201 can be appropriately changed.

[0147] Furthermore, the partition can divide a storage compartment horizontally, vertically, or in a front-to-back direction. That is, any component that divides a storage compartment into multiple cooling spaces is acceptable. Examples of "partitions" in this disclosure include the upper horizontal partition 20, the lower horizontal partition 23, shelves installed in the refrigerator compartment 12, partition walls in the vegetable compartment 13, and the large freezer compartment 16.

[0148] The foregoing has described one embodiment of the present invention, but this embodiment is merely an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The new embodiments in this disclosure can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, and are also included within the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

Claims

1. A refrigerator, comprising: The cooling section is capable of generating cold air; and The air duct is capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooling unit to the storage compartment. The ventilation duct includes an openable and closable ventilation duct section that can be opened and closed via an opening and closing mechanism and is connected to a special chamber on its downstream side. The opening and closing part includes an opening adjustment part that can adjust the opening degree of the openable and closable air passage part, and a drive part that can drive the opening adjustment part. A heat insulation section is provided in the air duct at a position downstream of the cooling section and upstream of the driving section.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The opening adjustment unit and the driving unit are arranged in the left-right direction.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The size of the heat insulation part in the front-to-back direction is larger than the size of the driving part in the front-to-back direction.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The size of the heat insulation part in the left-right direction is greater than the size of the driving part in the left-right direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein, The heat insulation portion has an extension portion that extends downstream in the left-right direction at a position outside the end of the drive portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The heat insulation part has a counter part opposite to the driving part. The opposing portion extends upstream of the portion of the heat insulation portion other than the opposing portion.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The central portion of the heat insulation part extends upstream in the left-right direction.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit is located at either end of the openable / closeable air passage in the left-right direction. The heat insulation part has an inclined portion that slopes from the upstream side toward the downstream side at a position upstream of the driving part. The tilt angle of the tilted portion is an angle that is more towards the opposite side of the drive portion than the end of the openable / closeable air passage portion on the drive portion side.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein, The portion of the airflow path corresponding to the inclined portion moves away from the inclined portion by a predetermined distance.

10. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The airflow path also includes branch airflow sections. The branch ventilation section has branches that separate to the left and right sides of the openable and closable ventilation section, and a confluence section formed by the branches converging at a position downstream of the openable and closable ventilation section.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, The drive unit is positioned to the left or right of the center of the openable / closeable air passage unit in the left-right direction.

12. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, It is equipped with an outlet that blows cool air from the openable and closable air duct into the special room. The opening adjustment unit, which adjusts the opening degree of the openable / closeable air passage when it is closed, is located closer to the outlet side than the drive unit. The opening adjustment section, when the openable air passage section is in the open state, is located at a position away from the outlet towards the drive section.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, A section with a narrowing section in the front-to-back direction is provided at a position upstream of the opening and closing section, wherein the air passage area in the front-to-back direction decreases towards the downstream side. The heat insulation portion is located on the downstream side of the end of the portion that is narrower in the front-rear direction.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 13, wherein, The lateral expansion portion, which has an air passage area that expands towards the downstream side, is located upstream of the opening and closing portion. At least a portion of the lateral expansion portion is provided within a defined area that includes at least a portion of the front-to-back reduction portion.

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