Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that suppresses outflow of a refrigerant from dew formation suppression piping along an opening edge of an outer case.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 1 includes: a casing 1H having an opening 1H0 on the front side; and a refrigeration cycle Rs in which a compressor 9, condensers 10a, 10b, and evaporators 15a, 15b are annularly connected by piping h. The piping h includes: discharge piping h9o connected to a discharge port 9o of the compressor 9; dew formation suppression piping 11 along an edge 1s0 of the opening; downstream side piping h11 on the downstream side of the dew formation suppression piping 11; an upstream side outflow suppression section that is disposed in a range from the downstream side of the discharge piping h9o to the upstream side of the dew formation suppression piping 11 and suppresses outflow of the refrigerant from the dew formation suppression piping 11; and a downstream side outflow suppression section that is disposed in a range from the downstream side of the dew formation suppression piping 11 to the upstream side of the downstream side piping 11 and suppresses outflow of the refrigerant from the dew formation suppression piping 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3B

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, the opening edge of the outer casing of a refrigerator is often exposed to the outside air, and condensation occurs unless some countermeasure is taken. Therefore, currently, refrigerant piping through which high-temperature refrigerant flows is installed inside the opening edge of the outer casing to reduce the temperature difference between the opening edge and the outside air and suppress condensation. The known techniques related to the present application include Patent Documents 1 to 3. Patent Document 1 discloses a diagram showing condensation prevention piping on the outer casing of a refrigerator body (100). A condenser (120) is located at the bottom of the condensation prevention piping, and an inlet and an outlet of the condensation prevention piping are located at the bottom of the refrigerator body (100).

[0003] In Fig. 8 of Patent Document 2, the high-temperature gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor (2) first dissipates heat in the condenser (4) and is then exhausted to the outside by the compressor fan (3). After this, the refrigerant is condensed in the condenser (8), which is a ceiling condenser, via an upward connecting pipe (13). The inlet of the condensation prevention piping is located at the bottom, and the outlet is unknown. 8 of Patent Document 3, heat radiation pipes (56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E) are connected in series in this order downstream of the compressor (51). The condenser (120) is disposed at the bottom of the condensation prevention piping (heat radiation pipes 56A, 56B, 56C, 56D, 56E). The inlet and outlet of the condensation prevention piping are disposed at the bottom. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-064377 A (FIG. 8, etc.) [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-207253 A (Fig. 8, etc.) [Patent Document 3] JP 2021-179299 A (Fig. 8, etc.) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, in a refrigerator, when the compressor is stopped, liquid refrigerant flows downward due to gravity. Therefore, if the refrigerant flows downward from the condensation suppression piping along the opening edge of the outer case, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression piping may become insufficient, making it difficult to suppress condensation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the refrigerator of the present invention comprises a box body having an opening at the front, and a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator are connected in a ring shape by piping, the piping including a discharge piping connected to a discharge port of the compressor, a condensation suppression piping along the edge of the opening, and a downstream piping downstream of the condensation suppression piping, and is characterized in having an upstream outflow suppression unit that is arranged in a range from the downstream side of the discharge piping to the upstream side of the condensation suppression piping and suppresses the outflow of refrigerant from the condensation suppression piping, and a downstream outflow suppression unit that is arranged in a range from the downstream side of the condensation suppression piping to the upstream side of the downstream piping and suppresses the outflow of refrigerant from the condensation suppression piping. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment, seen obliquely from the front. [Figure 3A] Cross-sectional view II of Figure 1. [Figure 3B] 1 is a schematic perspective view of the refrigerator of the first embodiment with the ice-making compartment door, the upper freezer compartment door, and the lower freezer compartment door removed, as viewed obliquely from the front. FIG. [Figure 4] An example diagram of the refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator. [Diagram 5] Schematic diagram of the III direction in FIG. 3B. [Figure 6] Cross-sectional view of FIG. 3B along line II-II. [Figure 7] 13 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle of a modified refrigerator. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 9] 13 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle 2Rs of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle of a modified example of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a modified example of the refrigerator of the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. <<First embodiment>> FIG. 1 shows a front view of a refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment as seen obliquely from the front. Note that Fig. 2 shows a state in which the ice-making compartment door 3, the upper freezer compartment door 4, and the lower freezer compartment door 5 are open.

[0010] In the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, a refrigerator compartment 2r, an ice-making compartment 3r, an upper freezer compartment 4r, a lower freezer compartment 5r, and a vegetable compartment 6r are arranged from top to bottom.

[0011] The refrigerator 1 includes a box body 1H and doors (2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6). The box 1H has an opening 1H0 (see FIG. 2). The opening 1H0 of the box 1H is opened and closed by doors (2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6). The topmost refrigerator compartment 2r is provided with a left refrigerator compartment door 2a and a right refrigerator compartment door 2b at the front. The secondmost ice-making compartment 3r and upper freezer compartment 4r are provided with an ice-making compartment door 3 and an upper freezer compartment door 4, respectively. The thirdmost lower freezer compartment 5r is provided with a lower freezer compartment door 5 at the front. The bottommost vegetable compartment 6r is provided with a vegetable compartment door 6 at the front.

[0012] The left and right refrigerator compartment doors 2a and 2b open like hinges relative to the box body 1H. The left refrigerator compartment door 2a can be rotated toward the front by an upper hinge 7a and a lower hinge 8a. Similarly, the right refrigerator compartment door 2b can be rotated toward the front by an upper hinge 7b and a lower hinge 8b.

[0013] The second-level ice-making compartment door 3, the upper-level freezer compartment door 4, the third-level lower-level freezer compartment door 5, and the bottom-level vegetable compartment door 6 can be pulled out toward the front of the page. At the rear of each of the ice-making compartment door 3, the upper-level freezer compartment door 4, the lower-level freezer compartment door 5, and the vegetable compartment door 6, an ice-making compartment container 3u, an upper-level freezer container 4u, a lower-level freezer container 5u, and a vegetable compartment container are integrally provided, respectively.

[0014] The vegetable compartment 6r on the bottom level is a storage compartment for storing vegetables, fruits, bottled beverages, etc.

[0015] The outside and inside of the refrigerator 1 are separated by a box body 1H of an insulated box body filled with a foam insulating material (not shown) and doors (2a, 2b, 3, 4, 5, 6). For example, polyurethane foam is used as the foam insulating material.

[0016] <Box 1H> The box body 1H constituting the heat-insulating box is composed of an outer box 1s, an inner box, a vacuum heat insulating material 18 (see FIG. 3B), and the like, as shown in FIG. 2. The outer box 1s is a metal plate such as a steel plate that covers the box body 1H. The outer box 1s is made of a thin iron plate, for example, with a wall thickness of 0.5 mm to 0.4 mm.

[0017] The inner box is made by vacuum molding synthetic resin, such as ABS resin. FIG. 3A shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II in FIG. FIG. 3B shows a schematic perspective view of the outer box 1 as seen diagonally from the front of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment with the ice-making compartment door 3, upper freezer compartment door 4, lower freezer compartment door 5, and vegetable compartment door 6 removed. In order to improve the insulation performance of the box body 1H, multiple vacuum insulation materials 18, which have a lower thermal conductivity than foam insulation materials, are attached to the inner surface of the outer box 1S as shown in Fig. 3B. The vacuum insulation material 18 is formed by wrapping laminated glass wool or the like in an outer packaging material (a thin aluminum film or a laminated film with a metal deposition layer) and then drawing a vacuum inside the outer packaging material.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3B, a first machine chamber R1 for arranging refrigeration cycle equipment such as a compressor 9 is formed on the rear side of the vegetable chamber 6r. Therefore, the rear part of the bottom wall of the vegetable chamber 6r is formed higher than the front part. A second machine room R2 is formed in a top surface portion 1H3 above the uppermost refrigerator room 2r. A second condenser 10b and a heat dissipation fan f2 are provided in the second machine room R2. As shown in FIG. 3B, the refrigerant pipe h from the compressor 9 to the second condenser 10b is disposed in the rear portion 1H1.

[0019] The outer box 1s of the box body 1H shown in Fig. 2 has both side panels 1s2 and a top panel 1s3 integrally formed, and a back panel 1s4 (see Fig. 3A) is a separate part. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 3B, the refrigerant pipe h can be easily installed in the back panel 1s4 in advance, making assembly easy. 3B, a vacuum insulation material 18 wrapped in a gas barrier film is provided inside the insulation wall forming the side wall of the box body 1H. The vacuum insulation material 18 is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the condensation suppression piping 11.

[0020] As a result, the condensation suppression piping 11 heats the gas barrier film on the exterior of the vacuum insulation material 18, promoting gas permeation and preventing a decrease in the degree of vacuum of the vacuum insulation material 18 and a deterioration in the insulation performance.

[0021] <Refrigeration cycle of refrigerator 1 Rs> FIG. 4 shows an example of the configuration of the refrigeration cycle Rs of the refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a refrigeration cycle Rs in which a refrigerant circulates to cool the interior of the refrigerator, such as for refrigeration or freezing. The refrigeration cycle Rs includes a compressor 9, a first condenser 10a, a second condenser 10b, a condensation suppression pipe 11, a dryer 12, a three-way valve 13, a refrigeration capillary tube 14a, a refrigeration capillary tube 14b, a refrigeration evaporator 15a, a refrigeration evaporator 15b, etc., which are connected via a refrigerant pipe h. A refrigerant flows through the refrigerant pipe h.

[0022] The pipe through which low-pressure refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 9 is called a suction pipe h9i, and the pipe through which high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant is discharged from the compressor 9 is called a discharge pipe h9o. The compressor 9 compresses a low-pressure gas refrigerant and discharges it as a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant. On the suction side of the compressor 9, accumulators 9a and 9b are provided which separate the refrigerant into gas and liquid.

[0023] The first condenser 10a and the second condenser 10b are heat exchangers that dissipate heat from the high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 9. A fan f1 (see FIG. 4) that dissipates heat from the first condenser 10a is provided near the first condenser 10a. The first condenser 10a is accommodated in the first machine chamber R1 behind the lowest vegetable chamber 6r shown in FIG. 3B. In the first condenser 10a, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant discharged from the compressor 9 is dissipated heat to lower the temperature and reduce the impact on the interior of the refrigerator, and then the refrigerant is sent to the second condenser 10b (see Figure 3B) through the pipe h. The presence of the first condenser 10a makes it possible to suppress heating inside the container due to the heat of the refrigerant. As described above, the second condenser 10b is accommodated in the second machine chamber R2 above the uppermost refrigerator chamber 2r.

[0024] The refrigerant having hot water is sent from the second condenser 10b to the condensation suppression piping 11. The condensation suppression piping 11 shown in Fig. 3B is arranged along the inside of the opening edge 1s0 at the front edge of the outer box 1s (the front surface of the box body 1H) and along the inside of the metal plate at the front edge of the interior partition wall. A second condenser 10b (see FIG. 3A) is installed above and upstream of the condensation prevention pipe 11. The second condenser 10b is installed such that the refrigerant pipe h is spaced apart from the outer surface of the box body 1H. This makes it possible to prevent the outer surface of the outer box 1s of the box body 1H from becoming hot due to heating by the refrigerant pipe h, thereby preventing an increase in heat flowing into the storage compartment and a decrease in energy saving performance.

[0025] The refrigerant that has flowed through the condensation prevention pipe 11 is dehumidified by the dryer 12 (see FIG. 4). The refrigerant that has flowed out of the dryer 12 flows into the three-way valve 13. The three-way valve 13 switches the refrigerant to the refrigeration evaporator 15a side or the freezing evaporator 15b side. A refrigeration capillary tube 14a is provided between the three-way valve 13 and the refrigeration evaporator 15a. The refrigeration capillary tube 14a reduces the pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant. A refrigeration capillary tube 14b is provided between the three-way valve 13 and the refrigeration evaporator 15b. The refrigeration capillary tube 14b reduces the pressure of the condensed liquid refrigerant.

[0026] The decompressed refrigerant (gas-liquid two-phase) coming out of the refrigeration capillary tube 14a is sent to the refrigeration evaporator 15a. A fan f3 for generating cold air by the refrigeration evaporator 15a is provided near the refrigeration evaporator 15a.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 3A, the refrigeration evaporator 15a and the fan f3 are disposed in the box body 1H at the rear of the refrigeration compartment 2r. The decompressed refrigerant evaporates in the refrigeration evaporator 15a, thereby cooling the refrigeration compartment 2r shown in FIG. The decompressed refrigerant (gas-liquid two-phase) coming out of the refrigeration capillary tube 14b is sent to the refrigeration evaporator 15b. A fan f4 for generating cold air by the refrigeration evaporator 15b is provided near the refrigeration evaporator 15b.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3A, the refrigeration evaporator 15b and the fan f4 are disposed behind the lower freezer door 5 inside the box body 1H. The reduced pressure refrigerant removes heat by evaporating in the freezing evaporator 15b, and cools the second-level ice-making compartment 3r, the upper-level freezer compartment 4r, the third-level lower-level freezer compartment 5r, and the bottom-level vegetable compartment 6r shown in FIG. 1.

[0029] The condensation inhibition piping 11 shown in FIG. 4 is arranged along the inside of the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s shown in FIG. 3B and along the inside of the metal plate at the front edge of the interior partition wall. As shown in FIG. 3B, the refrigerant coming out of the second condenser 10b flows through the refrigerant pipe h and enters the condensation prevention pipe 11 arranged within the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s from the condensation prevention pipe inlet 11i (arrow α11 in FIG. 3B).

[0030] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram seen in the direction of the arrow III in FIG. 3B. A second condenser 10b is installed upstream of the condensation prevention pipe 11 such that the refrigerant pipe h is spaced apart from the outer box 1s of the box body 1H.

[0031] The refrigerant flowing out of the first condenser 10a shown in FIG. 4 flows into the second condenser 10b from a second condenser inlet 10bi shown in FIG. The refrigerant condensed in the second condenser 10b flows out from a second condenser outlet 10bo. Here, since the second condenser 10b is provided on the top surface portion 1H3, the second condenser 10b is located above the condensation suppression pipe 11. Therefore, the refrigerant flowing out from the second condenser outlet 10bo flows into the condensation suppression pipe 11 from the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i. The condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i is an upstream outflow suppression unit that suppresses the outflow of the refrigerant from the condensation suppression pipe 11.

[0032] The refrigerant then flows through the condensation suppression pipe 11 (arrow α12 in FIG. 3B) and flows into the refrigerant pipe h from the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o (arrow α13 in FIG. 3B). The condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o is a downstream outflow suppression portion that suppresses the outflow of the refrigerant from the condensation suppression pipe 11. The refrigerant that has flowed through the condensation prevention pipe 11 flows out from the condensation prevention pipe outlet 11o, flows through the refrigerant pipe h (downstream pipe h11), and flows into the dryer 12 shown in FIG. By providing the second condenser 10b upstream of the condensation suppression pipe 11, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 can be a low-dryness two-phase refrigerant or a liquid-phase refrigerant. Therefore, when the compressor 9 is stopped, a large amount of liquid refrigerant is reliably retained in the condensation suppression pipe 11. This makes it easier to suppress a temperature drop at the opening edge 1s0 of the front edge part of the box body 1H when the compressor 9 is stopped.

[0033] 5 and 3B, the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i and the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o are disposed above the condensation suppression pipe 11 disposed within the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s. Therefore, when the compressor 9 stops, some of the refrigerant in the second condenser 10b flows into the condensation suppression pipe 11 due to gravity, thereby preventing the refrigerant from flowing out of the condensation suppression pipe 11. High-temperature liquid refrigerant remains in the condensation suppression pipe 11, thereby enhancing the effect of preventing a drop in temperature at the opening edge 1s0 of the box body 1H.

[0034] Furthermore, even when the compressor 9 stops, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 is prevented from flowing out from the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o and the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in temperature of the opening edge 1s0 of the front edge of the box body 1H, and it is possible to effectively suppress dew formation on the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s.

[0035] <Thermal resistance adjustment material 17> FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. 3B. A thermal resistance adjustment member 17 made of an elastic material such as butyl rubber is installed between the condensation suppression pipe 11 and the outer box 1s at the front edge of the box body 1H. The thermal resistance adjustment member 17 has a recess 17u formed along the condensation suppression pipe 11 so that the condensation suppression pipe 11 can be accommodated therein. Because the condensed refrigerant flowing through the condensation suppression pipe 11 is higher in temperature than the temperature outside the cabinet, a thermal resistance adjustment member 17 is installed directly between the outer plate 1s at the front edge of the box body 1H and the pipe, creating thermal resistance. This lowers the temperature of the opening edge 1s0 at the front edge of the box body 1H to an appropriate temperature, reducing the heat that flows into the cabinet. This prevents a decrease in energy-saving performance.

[0036] In addition, since the condensation suppression piping 11 has a circular cross section, it is difficult to determine the position when installing it on the flat outer plate 1s. However, by installing the condensation suppression piping 11 in the recess 17u of the thermal resistance adjustment member 17, the arrangement work of the condensation suppression piping 11 becomes easier.

[0037] <Modification of the first embodiment> FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle Rs1 of a refrigerator 1A according to a modified example. The refrigeration cycle Rs1 of the modified example does not have the three-way valve 13 of the first embodiment, but has one capillary tube 14 and one evaporator 15. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description is omitted.

[0038] The refrigeration cycle Rs1 of the modified example has one evaporator 15 which serves both as an evaporator for refrigeration and an evaporator for freezing the refrigerator 1. In the refrigeration cycle Rs1, one evaporator 15 cools all of the storage compartments, namely, the refrigerator compartment 2r, the ice-making compartment 3r, the upper freezer compartment 4r, the third lower freezer compartment 5r, and the bottom vegetable compartment 6r. 3B, in the modified example, the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i and the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o are disposed above the condensation suppression pipe 11 inside the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s. Therefore, even when the compressor 9 stops, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 is prevented from flowing out from the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o and the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i.

[0039] <<Second embodiment>> FIG. 8 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1B according to the second embodiment. In the refrigerator 1B of the second embodiment, one machine room R11 is arranged in the top surface portion 1H3, and the machine room R1 (FIG. 3A) in the bottom surface portion is eliminated. Also, the refrigerator 1B of the second embodiment has one condenser 10. The other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0040] FIG. 9 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle 2Rs of a refrigerator 1B according to the second embodiment. A refrigeration cycle 2Rs in which a refrigerant for cooling the inside of the refrigerator 1B circulates is provided in a box 1H of the refrigerator 1B. The refrigeration cycle 2Rs includes a compressor 9, a condenser 10, condensation suppression piping 11, a dryer 12, a three-way valve 13, a refrigeration capillary tube 14a, a refrigeration capillary tube 14b, a refrigeration evaporator 15a, a refrigeration evaporator 15b, etc., which are connected via a refrigerant piping h through which a refrigerant flows.

[0041] The condenser 10 condenses the high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant produced by the compressor 9 into liquid refrigerant. A fan f0 for radiating heat from the condenser 10 is provided in the vicinity of the condenser 10. A compressor 9, a condenser 10, a dryer 12, a three-way valve 13, a refrigeration capillary tube 14a, a freezing capillary tube 14b, etc. are provided in a machine room R11 in a top surface portion 1H3 of a refrigerator 1B shown in FIG.

[0042] 8, the discharge pipe h9o of the outlet 9o of the compressor 9 disposed on the top surface portion 1H3 is inclined downward. Therefore, even if the compressor 9 is stopped, the liquid refrigerant does not flow back to the compressor 9. Furthermore, the condenser 10 (see FIG. 9) downstream of the compressor 9 also has a downstream refrigerant pipe h10 that is inclined downward. Therefore, the refrigerant pipe h10 is located higher than the condensation suppression pipe 11. Moreover, the discharge pipe h9o of the compressor 9 is located higher than the condensation suppression pipe 11 that includes the refrigerant pipe h10 and the condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i. In the refrigerator 1B, similarly to Fig. 3B, the condensation suppression pipe 11 is arranged in the outer box 1s along the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s shown in Fig. 3B. Therefore, when the compressor 9 is stopped, the refrigerant collects in the condensation suppression pipe 11 due to gravity.

[0043] The condensation suppression pipe inlet 11i and the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o are disposed above the condensation suppression pipe 11 disposed within the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s. Therefore, even when the compressor 9 is stopped, the refrigerant having heat remains in the condensation suppression pipe 11. This makes it possible to suppress a drop in temperature of the opening edge 1s0 at the front edge of the box 1H, thereby effectively suppressing dew formation on the opening edge 1s0 of the outer box 1s. Furthermore, since there is no machine compartment in the bottom portion of the refrigerator 1B, the vacuum insulation material 18 (see FIG. 3B) can be provided over a wide area of ​​the side walls of the bottom portion of the box body 1H of the refrigerator 1B.

[0044] <Modification of the second embodiment> FIG. 10 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle 2Rs1 of a modified example of the refrigerator 1B of the second embodiment. A refrigeration cycle 2Rs1 of the modified example of the second embodiment is configured such that, in the refrigeration cycle 2Rs of the second embodiment, a refrigerant valve 21 that can be opened and closed is provided in a box body near the downstream end of the condensation prevention pipe 11. The refrigerant valve 21 is provided in a machine room R11 of the top surface portion 1H3 (see FIG. 8).

[0045] Other than this, the configuration is similar to that of the refrigeration cycle 2Rs of the second embodiment (see FIG. 9). Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The refrigeration cycle 2Rs1 of the modified example is provided with a refrigerant valve that blocks the flow of refrigerant between the condensation suppression pipe 11, which is at high pressure, and the evaporator (15a, 15b), which is at low pressure. When the compressor 9 is operating, the refrigerant valve 21 is opened, and when the compressor 9 is stopped, the refrigerant valve 21 is closed.

[0046] According to the modified example of the second embodiment, by closing the refrigerant valve 21, it is possible to prevent the refrigerant in the condensation prevention pipe 11 on the compressor 9 side from flowing out to the evaporator (15a, 15b) side, which is at a low pressure, due to a pressure difference. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent a temperature drop at the opening edge 1s0 (see FIG. 3B) at the front edge of the box body 1H, thereby preventing dew from forming on the opening edge 1s0 of the box body 1H.

[0047] <<Third embodiment>> FIG. 11 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1C according to the third embodiment. The interior layout of a refrigerator 1C according to the third embodiment is similar to that of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0048] FIG. 12 shows a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle 3Rs of a refrigerator 1C according to the third embodiment. The refrigeration cycle 3Rs of the third embodiment is configured such that the first condenser 10a and the second condenser 10b in the refrigeration cycle Rs of the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment are configured as one condenser 10. A fan f0 for radiating heat from the condenser 10 is provided near the condenser 10. A check valve or an openable / closable valve 19 embedded in the box body 1H is disposed near the upstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11.

[0049] In addition, the downstream pipe h11 of the condensation suppression pipe 11 is disposed above the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o at the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11. Alternatively, regardless of the position of the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o at the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11, a valve 20 that can be opened and closed is provided near the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11. If a check valve or a freely opening and closing valve 19 is provided near the upstream end of the condensation suppression piping 11, the check valve or the freely opening and closing valve 19 opens when the compressor 9 is operating, and the check valve or the valve 19 closes when the compressor 9 is stopped.

[0050] When a valve 20 that can be opened and closed is provided near the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11, the valve is opened while the compressor 9 is operating, and is closed when the compressor 9 is stopped. A machine room R3 of a refrigerator 1C shown in FIG. 9 is provided with a compressor 9, a condenser 10, a fan f0, a check valve or an openable / closable valve 19, a dryer 12, a three-way valve 13, a refrigerating capillary tube 14a, a freezing capillary tube 14b, an openable / closable valve 20, etc. The configuration other than the above is the same as that of the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0051] According to the third embodiment, a check valve or a valve 19 that can be opened or closed is embedded in the box body 1H and disposed near the upstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11. Furthermore, since the downstream pipe h11 of the condensation suppression pipe 11 is disposed above the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o at the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11, when the compressor 9 is stopped, the check valve or the check valve 19 disposed near the upstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11 is closed, so that the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 does not flow upstream. Furthermore, since the downstream pipe h11 of the condensation suppression pipe 11 is disposed above the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o at the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 does not flow downstream. This prevents condensation from forming on the opening edge 1s0 at the front edge of the box 1H. In this case, the openable and closable valve 20 does not need to be provided.

[0052] Alternatively, if a valve 20 (see FIG. 12) that can be opened and closed is provided near the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11 regardless of the position of the condensation suppression pipe outlet 11o at the downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe 11, the valve 20 is opened while the compressor 9 is operating and is closed when the compressor 9 is stopped. As a result, the refrigerant in the condensation suppression pipe 11 does not flow out to the downstream side, and dew formation on the opening edge 1s0 at the front edge of the box 1H is suppressed.

[0053] <Modification of the third embodiment> FIG. 13 shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a refrigerator 1D according to a modification of the third embodiment. In the refrigerator 1D of the modified example, the condenser 10 is disposed at the rear of the refrigerator 1D. Other configurations are similar to those of the refrigerator 1C of the third embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof is omitted. In the refrigerator 1D according to the modification of the third embodiment, the refrigerant is not discharged from the condensation suppression pipe 11 (see FIG. 12) and dew is suppressed from forming on the opening edge 1s0 (see FIG. 3B) at the front edge of the box 1H.

[0054] <<Other embodiments>> 1. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modified configurations, and various modifications and specific forms are possible within the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Refrigerator 1H box body IH0 opening 1H3 Top section 1s1 Outer plate (front edge member of box) 3 Ice compartment door 4 Upper freezer door 5 Lower freezer door 9. Compressor 10 Condenser 10a First condenser 10b Second condenser 11 Condensation suppression piping 11i Condensation suppression piping inlet (upstream outflow suppression section, condensation suppression piping inlet) 11o Condensation suppression piping outlet (downstream outflow suppression section, outlet section of condensation suppression piping 15, 15a, 15b Evaporator 17 Thermal resistance adjustment material 18 Vacuum insulation material 19 Check valve or valve that can be opened and closed freely (first valve) 20 Openable and closable valve (second valve) 21 Refrigerant valve h piping h9o discharge piping h11 Downstream piping Rs, Rs1, 2Rs, 2Rs1, 3Rs refrigeration cycle

Claims

1. A box body having an opening at the front; a refrigeration cycle in which a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator are connected in a circular manner by piping; The piping includes: A discharge pipe connected to a discharge port of the compressor; A condensation suppression pipe along an edge of the opening; a downstream piping downstream of the condensation suppression piping, an upstream outflow suppression unit that is disposed in a range from a downstream side of the discharge pipe to an upstream side of the condensation suppression pipe and that suppresses outflow of the refrigerant from the condensation suppression pipe; a downstream outflow suppression unit that is disposed in a range from the downstream side of the condensation suppression pipe to the upstream side of the downstream pipe and that suppresses outflow of the refrigerant from the condensation suppression pipe.

2. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator, wherein an upstream end of the condensation prevention pipe is disposed lower than the discharge pipe.

3. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator further comprises a check valve or a first valve that can be opened and closed, disposed near an upstream end of the condensation suppression pipe.

4. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator, wherein the downstream side piping is disposed above a downstream end of the condensation prevention piping.

5. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator further comprises a second valve that is capable of being opened and closed, provided in the vicinity of a downstream end of the condensation suppression pipe.

6. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that an inlet portion of the condensation suppression pipe and an outlet portion of the condensation suppression pipe are provided above the condensation suppression pipe.

7. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that a thermal resistance adjusting member is provided between the condensation suppression pipe and a front edge member of the box body.

8. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that the condenser is provided above the condensation suppression piping or upstream of the condensation suppression piping such that the piping is spaced apart from an outer surface of the box body.

9. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that a vacuum insulation material is provided inside the box body and spaced apart from the condensation prevention piping.

10. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that the condenser is disposed on a top surface.

11. The refrigerator according to claim 10, a refrigerant valve that blocks the flow of refrigerant is provided between the condensation suppression pipe and the evaporator; The refrigerant valve is opened while the compressor is operating, and is closed when the compressor is stopped. A refrigerator characterized by:

12. In the refrigerator according to claim 1, The refrigerator is characterized in that the condenser and the compressor are disposed on a top surface thereof.

13. The refrigerator according to claim 12, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the outlet piping from the compressor has a downward incline.

14. The refrigerator according to claim 12, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the piping at the outlet from the condenser has a downward incline.

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