Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of achieving energy saving.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes: a cold storage material; a cooling part for cooling the cold storage material; and a control part for controlling a heat transfer amount to the cold storage material by the cooling part. The cooling part includes a compressor, a fan, and a cooler. The control part changes an operation state of the compressor or the fan, at the time of a first mode where a refrigerant is flowing in the cooler. Also, the refrigerator includes: the cold storage material, the cooling part for cooling the cold storage material; and the control part for controlling a heat transfer amount to the cold storage material by the cooling part. The cooling part includes the compressor, the fan, and the cooler. The control part changes an operation state of the fan at the time of a second mode where a refrigerant is not flowing in the cooler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to refrigerators. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator. This refrigerator includes a refrigerator compartment and a freezer compartment, a refrigerator cooler for cooling the refrigerator compartment on the rear side of the refrigerator compartment, a freezer cooler for cooling the freezer compartment on the rear side of the freezer compartment, and cold storage means cooled by the refrigerator cooler, and a control unit that performs a cold storage operation for cooling the cold storage means and a cold discharging operation for cooling the inside of the refrigerator compartment with the cold storage means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-78647 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator that can save energy. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator of the present disclosure includes a cold storage material, a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material, and a control unit that controls the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit, the cooling unit including a compressor, a fan, and a cooler, and the control unit changes the operating state of the compressor or the fan during a first mode in which refrigerant flows through the cooler.

[0006] In addition, the refrigerator of the present disclosure includes a cold storage material, a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material, and a control unit that controls the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit, the cooling unit including a compressor, a fan, and a cooler, and the control unit changes the operating state of the fan in a second mode in which no refrigerant flows through the cooler. Effect of the Invention

[0007] The refrigerator according to the present disclosure can achieve energy saving by controlling the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view showing an outline of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing an outline of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] A refrigeration cycle diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing another refrigeration cycle according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigeration cooler according to a first embodiment; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a refrigeration cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigeration cooler according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] Block diagram showing a control configuration of the first embodiment. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing basic operation of the refrigerator in the first embodiment [Figure 10] Timing chart showing normal operation 1 of the refrigerator in the first embodiment [Figure 11] A flowchart showing normal operation 1 of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] Timing chart showing normal operation 1 of the refrigerator in the first embodiment [Figure 13] A flowchart showing normal operation 1 of a refrigerator according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] Timing chart showing normal operation 2 of the refrigerator in the first embodiment [Figure 15] A flowchart showing the operation of normal operation 2 of the refrigerator in the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] (The knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time when the inventors came up with the idea of ​​the present disclosure, refrigerators existed that cooled the interior of the refrigerator using a pre-cooled cold storage material.

[0010] However, the inventors discovered a problem with conventional technology in that when cooling the regenerator material, supercooling occurs, in which the material remains liquid even below its freezing temperature, reducing the efficiency of cooling the regenerator material and increasing power consumption. In order to solve this problem, the inventors have come up with the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0011] In view of this, the present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of saving energy by controlling the amount of heat transferred to a cold storage material.

[0012] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or duplicate explanation of substantially the same configuration may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming more redundant than necessary and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0013] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Refrigerator configuration] FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an outline of a refrigerator according to the present invention.

[0016] As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerator 1 has a box-shaped main body 10. An upper partition plate 11 and a lower partition plate 12 are provided at two positions in the vertical direction of the main body 10 to divide the inside of the main body 10 into three spaces, one above the other.

[0017] The space above the upper partition plate 11 is a refrigerator compartment 13, the space between the upper partition plate 11 and the lower partition plate 12 is a freezer compartment 14, and the space below the lower partition plate 12 is a vegetable compartment 15.

[0018] A low temperature compartment 16, which is kept at a lower temperature than the refrigerating compartment 13, is provided inside the refrigerating compartment 13. A shelf board 17 is provided inside the refrigerating compartment 13 on which food is placed.

[0019] An ice making compartment 18 for storing ice is provided inside the freezer compartment 14.

[0020] A side-opening refrigerator compartment door 20 is provided on the front surface of the refrigerator compartment 13 so as to be freely opened and closed.

[0021] A freezer drawer door 21 is provided at the front of the freezer compartment 14 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a freezer drawer case 22 for storing food therein is provided inside the freezer drawer door 21.

[0022] A vegetable compartment drawer door 23 is provided at the opening on the front side of the vegetable compartment 15 so as to be freely opened and closed, and a vegetable compartment drawer case 24 for storing food therein is provided on the inside of the vegetable compartment drawer door 23.

[0023] 1 and 2, a refrigeration cooling compartment 30 is provided on the rear side of the refrigeration compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1. A refrigeration compartment duct 31 extending above the refrigeration compartment 13 is connected to the upper part of the refrigeration cooling compartment 30.

[0024] The refrigeration cooling chamber 30 houses a refrigeration cooler 32. The refrigeration cooler 32 is a microchannel type cooler. The microchannel type cooler is, for example, a cooler composed of a flat porous tube and fins. The flat porous tube is a flat tube having a plurality of flow paths formed therein through which the refrigerant flows. Details of the refrigeration cooler 32 will be described later.

[0025] A refrigeration fan 33 is disposed above the refrigeration cooler 32 in the refrigeration cooling compartment 30. For example, a centrifugal fan is used as the refrigeration fan 33. The centrifugal fan is a fan that draws in cold air that has passed through the refrigeration cooler 32 from the center part on one side of the axial direction of the rotating blades and blows it out in a centrifugal direction. The centrifugal fan also draws in cold air from the rear of the refrigeration cooling compartment 30 and blows it out in a centrifugal direction. By using a centrifugal fan, it is possible to ensure a sufficient air volume even with a narrow duct.

[0026] In this embodiment, the centrifugal fan is configured to draw in cool air from the rear of the refrigeration cooling compartment 30, but it may be configured to draw in cool air from the front of the refrigeration cooling compartment 30.

[0027] The refrigeration fan 33 may be, for example, an axial fan. The axial fan is inclined and positioned so that the blowing side faces upward so as to efficiently blow out the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 32 into the refrigeration compartment 13. By using an axial fan, it is possible to easily discharge the cold air downward as well.

[0028] Frost adhering to the refrigeration cooler 32 can be defrosted by the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13. In this case, it is preferable to drive the refrigeration fan 33 without flowing a refrigerant through the refrigeration cooler 32.

[0029] The refrigerating compartment duct 31 is connected to a casing 33a on the blowing side of the refrigerating fan 33, and the refrigerating compartment duct 31 is formed in a tapered shape whose width gradually increases toward the top.

[0030] The refrigerating compartment duct 31 is provided with branch ducts 34 extending to the left and right midway. The refrigerating compartment 13 is provided with a refrigerating air outlet 35 communicating with the refrigerating compartment duct 31 and the branch duct 34.

[0031] A refrigerator compartment damper 36 is provided in the middle of the refrigerator compartment duct 31. The refrigerator compartment damper 36 is configured to switch between blowing or stopping the cold air cooled by the refrigerator cooler 32 to the refrigerator compartment duct 31 by opening and closing the refrigerator compartment damper 36.

[0032] A shielding plate 39 is provided on the underside of the refrigerating cooler 32 and below the header described later. The shielding plate 39 covers the bottom of the header, thereby preventing the inside air sent from the refrigerating chamber 13 from entering the refrigerating chamber 13. The cooling device 32 has a function of guiding the air to an air flow path described later.

[0033] The shielding plate 39 may be provided in the refrigerating cooling compartment 30. In this case, the shielding plate 39 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower part of a header, which will be described later.

[0034] A freezing cooling compartment 40 is provided on the rear side of the freezing compartment 14 of the refrigerator 1. A freezing cooler 41 is housed in the freezing cooling compartment 40.

[0035] The freezing cooler 41 is, for example, a fin tube type cooler. The fin tube type cooler is, for example, a cooler composed of a circular pipe and flat fins. A freezing fan 42 is disposed above the freezing cooler 41 to send the cold air cooled by the freezing cooler 41 into the freezing chamber 14.

[0036] Compared to microchannel type coolers, fin tube type coolers have a large distance between the refrigerant pipe and the fin tips, so the heat transfer efficiency is poor and the temperature of the fin tips is difficult to decrease. This makes it possible to suppress clogging due to frost and reduce the number of times that electricity is applied to the glass tube heater 44 for defrosting. This makes it possible to suppress power consumption.

[0037] For example, an axial fan is used as the freezing fan 42. The axial fan is inclined so that the blowing side faces upward so as to efficiently blow out the cold air cooled by the freezing cooler 41 into the freezing chamber 14. A freezing air outlet 43 is formed on the back surface of the freezing chamber 14.

[0038] The refrigeration fan 42 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan.

[0039] Below the cryocooler 41, a glass tube heater 44 for removing frost adhering to the cryocooler 41 is disposed.

[0040] In addition, in order to remove frost adhering to the cryocooler 41, a pipe glass tube heater that directly heats the cryocooler 41 may be used without using the glass tube heater 44.

[0041] The cold air in the freezer cooling compartment 40 is configured to be sent to the vegetable compartment 15 through a communication hole 45 formed in the lower partition plate 12.

[0042] A freezer dew tray 37 is disposed below the refrigeration cooler 32. A freezer dew tray 46 is disposed below the freezer cooler 41.

[0043] An evaporation tray 47 is disposed below the rear side of the vegetable compartment 15.

[0044] A refrigeration drain pipe 38 is connected to the refrigeration dew tray 37. A freezing drain pipe 48 is connected to the freezing dew tray 46. The lower ends of the refrigeration drain pipe 38 and the freezing drain pipe 48 pass through the upper partition plate 11 and the lower partition plate 12, respectively, and extend to the vicinity of the upper part of the evaporation tray 47.

[0045] This allows the drainage accumulated in the refrigeration dew tray 37 and the refrigeration dew tray 46 to be sent to the evaporation tray 47 via the refrigeration drain pipe 38 and the freezing drain pipe 48, and the drainage is evaporated in the evaporation tray 47.

[0046] A compressor 50 is installed at the upper rear part of the main body.

[0047] [1-1-2. Refrigeration cycle configuration] Next, the refrigeration cycle configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3 , the refrigerator 1 is configured by connecting a compressor 50, a condenser 51, a switching valve 52, a refrigeration capillary tube 53 as a refrigeration pressure reducing means, a refrigeration cooler 32, a refrigeration return pipe 55a, a refrigeration capillary tube 54 as a refrigeration pressure reducing means, a refrigeration cooler 41, and a refrigeration return pipe 55b with a refrigerant return pipe 55.

[0050] The refrigeration capillary tube 53 and the refrigeration cooler 32, and the freezing capillary tube 54 and the freezing cooler 41 are connected in parallel to each other via a switching valve 52 serving as a switching mechanism.

[0051] Moreover, the inlet pipe 68 is connected to the capillary tube 53 for refrigeration, and the outlet pipe 69 is connected to the return pipe 55a for refrigeration.

[0052] The refrigeration capillary tube 53 extends above the inlet header 66, and is then embedded in the rear insulating wall of the main body 10. The refrigeration return pipe 55a extends above the outlet header 67, and is then embedded in the rear insulating wall of the main body 10.

[0053] In the rear insulating wall, the refrigeration capillary tube 53 and the refrigeration return pipe 55a are tightly connected so as to exchange heat with each other.

[0054] Further, no accumulator (gas-liquid separator) for preventing liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 50 is provided between the outlet side pipe 69 and the refrigeration return pipe 55a connected downstream.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator 1. As shown in FIG.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, in the refrigerator 1, the refrigeration cooler 32 and the freezing cooler 41 may be connected in series to the compressor 50 and the condenser 51.

[0057] In this case, a changeover valve 52 is disposed between the condenser 51 and the refrigeration cooler 32, and a bypass pipe 56 that connects the piping between the refrigeration cooler 32 and the freezing cooler 41 is connected to the changeover valve 52. A bypass capillary tube 57 is disposed in the bypass pipe 56 as a bypass pressure reducing means.

[0058] [1-1-3. Configuration of refrigeration cooler] Next, the configuration of the refrigeration cooler 32 mounted in the refrigerator 1 will be described.

[0059] Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the refrigeration cooler 32 of the embodiment 1. Fig. 6 is a plan view showing the refrigeration cooler 32 of the embodiment 1. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the refrigeration cooler 32 of the embodiment 1.

[0060] 5 to 7, the refrigerant cooler 32 is provided with a refrigerant conducting member 60 through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant conducting member 60 is formed of a porous flat tube in which a plurality of substantially rectangular passages are continuously arranged.

[0061] The refrigerant conducting member 60 is formed in a serpentine shape and includes a plurality of flat tubes 61 formed approximately in parallel at a predetermined interval and bent portions 62 connecting the ends of the flat tubes 61 .

[0062] In this embodiment, six flat tubes 61 are provided between headers, which will be described later.

[0063] The number of the flat tubes 61 is not limited to this, but can be set arbitrarily.

[0064] Also, each flat tube 61 and the bent portion 62 may be integral with each other, and one flat tube 61 may be formed between the headers by meandering.

[0065] In this embodiment, the flat tubes 61 and the bent portion 62 are divided into three regions, an upper region 63, a middle region 64, and a lower region 65, in the vertical direction.

[0066] In this embodiment, the area is divided into three areas in the vertical direction, but it may be divided into two areas or four or more areas in the vertical direction.

[0067] An inlet header 66 and an outlet header 67 extending vertically are provided at one end of the outermost flat tube 61 .

[0068] The inlet side header 66 and the outlet side header 67 are attached so as not to protrude from the end faces of the refrigerant conducting member 60. In other words, the end faces of the inlet side header 66 and the outlet side header 67 are flush with the outer surfaces of the flat tubes 61 of the refrigerant conducting member 60. This makes it possible to reduce the thickness dimension of the refrigerant conducting member 60, and when the refrigerant conducting member 60 is housed inside the refrigerator compartment duct 31, it is possible to reduce the internal space of the refrigerator compartment duct 31. As a result, it is possible to enlarge the internal space of the refrigerator compartment 13.

[0069] In this embodiment, the refrigerant is configured to flow in from the upper part of the inlet header 66 and to flow out from the lower part of the outlet header 67 .

[0070] The inlet side header 66 and the outlet side header 67 may be provided at different ends of the flat tubes 61, and the inlet side header 66 and the outlet side header 67 may be disposed on both sides of the refrigerant conducting member 60. The refrigerant inlet of the inlet side header 66 may be provided below instead of above, and the refrigerant outlet of the outlet side header 67 may be provided above instead of below.

[0071] 5, a partition plate 68 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the upper region 63 and the middle region 64 of the inlet side header 66. The positions corresponding to the middle region 64 and the lower region 65 of the inlet side header 66 are in communication with each other.

[0072] A partition plate 69 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the middle region 64 and the lower region 65 of the outlet side header 67. The upper region 63 and the middle region 64 of the outlet side header 67 are in communication with each other.

[0073] The refrigerant flowing in from the upper part of the inlet side header 66 passes through the inside of the upper region 63 of the refrigerant conducting member 60 and flows to the outlet side header 67. The refrigerant flowing in the outlet side header 67 flows into the middle region 64 of the refrigerant conducting member 60 and flows to the inlet side header 66, flows through the lower region 65 via the inlet side header 66, and then flows out from the lower part of the outlet side header 67.

[0074] That is, the refrigerant conducting member 60 is arranged so that its width direction (the vertical direction in Figure 7) is oriented in the air flow direction inside the refrigerator compartment duct 31, and the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant conducting member 60 flows in a direction perpendicular to the air flow direction.

[0075] Air flow paths 70 and cold storage material containers 72 in which cold storage material 71 is sealed are arranged alternately between the flat tubes 61 of the refrigerant conducting member 60 .

[0076] In this embodiment, air flow paths 70 are formed in the outermost and central portions, and cooling storage material containers 72 are disposed between the air flow paths 70 .

[0077] Fins 74 are arranged inside the air flow path 70, and are inclined at a predetermined angle to the flattened tubes 61 and bent in a zigzag pattern. These fins 74 form a continuous air flow path 70 with an approximately triangular cross-sectional shape inside the air flow path 70.

[0078] Alternatively, the air flow passage having a rectangular cross section may be formed continuously.

[0079] The air flow path 70 is formed in the vertical direction (gravity direction) so as to follow the vertical direction of the refrigerator compartment duct 31. In this embodiment, the air flows from below to above.

[0080] As a result, the air inside the refrigerator, flowing from the bottom to the top of the refrigerator compartment duct 31, flows through the air flow path 70, and at this time, exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 60, and is cooled to a predetermined temperature. Also, by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 60 and the cold storage material 71, the cold storage material 71 is also cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0081] In this embodiment, the cold storage material container 72 is made of a thin film member of a metal material such as aluminum. The cold storage material container 72 is flexible and can be deformed. The thickness dimension of the cold storage material container 72 is configured to have approximately the same dimension as the gap between each of the flat tubes 61.

[0082] Then, by pressing the cold storage material container 72 into the gaps between the flat tubes 61, the cold storage material container 72 comes into close contact with the surfaces of each flat tube 61, thereby making it possible to hold the cold storage material container 72 between the flat tubes 61.

[0083] In this case, the end of the flat tube 61 opposite the bent portion 62 is open, so when the cold storage material container 72 is pressed into the gap of the flat tube 61, a force acts in a direction opening the open end of the flat tube 61. If the gap of the flat tube 61 widens, the force holding the cold storage material container 72 weakens, and the cold storage material container 72 cannot be held in the gap of the flat tube 61, and there is a risk that the cold storage material container 72 will fall.

[0084] For this reason, in this embodiment, a restraining member 75 is provided at the open end of the flat tube 61 to prevent the open end from expanding. As the restraining member 75, for example, a wire-like member such as a wire is used. Alternatively, the restraining member 75 may be a plate-like member fixed to the end face of the flat tube 61.

[0085] In order to prevent the cold storage material container 72 from falling, a bottom plate or the like may be provided below the gap between the flat tubes 61 .

[0086] In this embodiment, the solidification temperature of the cold storage material 71 is set between the cooling temperature by the cold storage cooler 32 and the temperature inside the cold storage compartment 13 .

[0087] As a result, the cold storage material 71 is solidified by the cold heat of the refrigeration cooler 32, and the cold storage material 71 is melted by the heat of the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13, so that cold storage during cold storage operation and cold release during cold release operation can be performed reliably. This makes it possible to suppress temperature fluctuations in the refrigerator compartment 13.

[0088] Since the cold storage material 71 is a mixture of water, a gelling agent, a preservative, and a coloring agent, if the cold storage material container 72 is made of a metal material, there is a risk of corrosion by water. Therefore, a corrosion-resistant layer of resin or the like is generally provided on the inner surface of the cold storage material container 72.

[0089] Here, in the past, for example, a cold storage material has been provided in an air conditioner, and the air conditioner is operated efficiently by cooling the cold storage material, but in the case of an air conditioner, since the cold storage material is cooled at a relatively high temperature, it is not necessary to use a cold storage material below the freezing point as in the present embodiment. In the case of the cold storage material in such an air conditioner, a paraffin-based cold storage material is generally used, so a corrosion-resistant layer is not required on the inner surface of the cold storage material container.

[0090] In the present embodiment, the lower ends of the fins 74 are located lower than the lower end of the refrigerant conducting member 60. This allows water that is generated as a result of frosting or condensation during heat exchange between the air inside the compartment and the refrigerant to be collected at the lower ends of the fins 74, improving drainage.

[0091] The upper ends of the fins 74 may be positioned higher than the upper end of the refrigerant conducting member 60. This allows the fins 74 to be cooled by the refrigerant, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the air inside the compartment.

[0092] [1-1-4. Description of control configuration] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the first embodiment.

[0093] As shown in Fig. 8, the refrigerator 1 includes a control unit 80. The control unit 80 includes a processor such as a CPU or MPU that executes a program, and memories such as a ROM and RAM, and executes various processes through cooperation between hardware and software such that the processor reads out a control program stored in the memory and executes the process.

[0094] The control unit 80 controls the compressor 50 , the refrigeration fan 33 , the freezing fan 42 , the switching valve 52 and the glass tube heater 44 based on the temperatures detected by the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 , the freezer compartment sensor 82 and the cold storage material sensor 83 .

[0095] [1-2. Operation] The operation of the refrigerator 1 configured as above will be described below.

[0096] [1-2-1.Basic operation] First, the basic operation will be described.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the basic operation of the refrigerator.

[0098] 9, after the refrigerator is powered on, the control unit 80 starts normal operation 1 (SA1). After a predetermined time T (e.g., 120 minutes) has elapsed since the start of normal operation 1 (SA2: YES), the control unit 80 starts normal operation 2 (SA3).

[0099] When the control unit 80 receives a defrosting operation signal while performing normal operation 2 (SA4: YES), it starts the defrosting operation (SA5).

[0100] In the defrosting operation, the compressor 50 is turned off and the refrigeration fan 42 is turned on. The lath tube heater 44 is turned on.

[0101] As a result, the refrigeration cooler 41 is defrosted.

[0102] On the other hand, in the refrigeration compartment 13, by driving the refrigeration fan 33, heat is exchanged between the refrigeration compartment 13 and the air inside the compartment through the cold storage material, thereby performing cooling.

[0103] When the defrost sensor detects that the temperature has risen above Tdef (SA6: YES), the defrost operation is terminated and normal operation 1 is started (SA1).

[0104] [1-2-2. Operation of normal operation 1 (changing the operating state of the compressor 50)] Next, the control of normal operation 1 when the operating state of the compressor 50 is changed will be described.

[0105] Fig. 10 is a timing chart showing the operation of the normal operation 1 of the refrigerator. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the normal operation 1 of the refrigerator.

[0106] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, when the freezer compartment sensor 82 detects a temperature equal to or higher than Tf1 (e.g., -18°C) (SB1: YES), the control unit 80 fully closes the switching valve 52, keeps the refrigeration fan 33 and the freezing fan 42 OFF, and drives the compressor 50 (SB2).

[0107] This operation causes pumping down and recovery of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cooler 41.

[0108] When the pump-down operation time has elapsed for a predetermined time Tpd (eg, 3 minutes) (SB3: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cold storage operation 1 (SB4).

[0109] In the cold-storage operation 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to the refrigerating compartment 13 side, the refrigerating fan 33 is turned on, and the compressor 50 is controlled to rotate at high speed.

[0110] When the cold storage operation 1 is started by the control unit 80, the compressor 50 is driven to send the refrigerant to the condenser 51, and the refrigerant that has been heat exchanged in the condenser is sent to the cold storage cooler 32 (first mode). The first mode is, for example, a state in which the refrigerant flows in the cold storage cooler 32.

[0111] The refrigerant sent to the cold storage cooler 32 flows inside the upper region 63 having flowed in from the inlet header 66 of the refrigerant conducting member 60. The refrigerant that flows to the outlet header 67 flows through the middle region 64 via the outlet header 67, is sent to the inlet header 66, and flows through the lower region 65 via the inlet header 66. The refrigerant that has flowed through the lower region 65 flows out from the outlet header 67 and is returned to the compressor 50.

[0112] When the refrigerant fan 33 is driven while the refrigerant is flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 60, the air inside the refrigerating chamber 13 flows from below to above the refrigerating chamber duct 31, passing through the air flow path 70 of the refrigerating cooler 32.

[0113] As a result, the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant conducting member 60 and is cooled.

[0114] At this time, the cold storage material 71 is also cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant conducting member 60, and the cold storage material stores cold.

[0115] Thereafter, the control unit 80 sets, as a first condition, whether the operation time of the cold storage operation 1 is a predetermined time T1 (for example, After the first period (for example, 5 minutes) has elapsed (SB5: YES), cold storage operation 2 (SB6) will be performed.

[0116] The first condition may be that when the cold storage material sensor 83 detects a predetermined temperature behavior of the cold storage material (for example, the detected temperature is lower than the freezing temperature of the cold storage material and is 1 K or more higher than the immediately preceding detected temperature), the control unit 80 performs cold storage operation 2.

[0117] In the cold-storage operation 2, the compressor 50 is driven at a rotation speed lower than that in the cold-storage operation 1.

[0118] Thereafter, when the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 detects that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature Tr1 (for example, 2° C.) (SB7: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cooling operation 1 (SB8).

[0119] In the cold discharging operation 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to the freezing side, the refrigeration fan 33 is turned ON, and the freezing fan 42 is turned ON.

[0120] As the compressor 50 is driven, the refrigerant is sent to the freezing cooler 41, whereby heat is exchanged with the air inside the freezing compartment to cool the air inside the freezing compartment, thereby cooling the inside of the freezing compartment.

[0121] On the other hand, during the cold discharge operation 1, the refrigerant from the compressor 50 is not sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but is stored in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, so that the air inside the refrigeration chamber 13 passing through the refrigeration cooler 32 is cooled by the cold storage material, thereby cooling the inside of the refrigeration chamber 13.

[0122] When the control unit 80 detects via the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is lower than a predetermined temperature Tr2 (e.g., 6°C) (SB9: YES) and also detects via the freezer compartment sensor 82 that the temperature inside the freezer compartment has fallen below Tf2 (e.g., -22°C) (SB10: YES), it performs cooling operation 2 (SB11).

[0123] In the cold discharging operation 2, the compressor 50 and the freezing fan 42 are turned off, and with the changeover valve 52 closed, only the refrigeration fan 33 is turned on.

[0124] As a result, no refrigerant is sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but the air inside the refrigeration compartment 13 is cooled by storing cold in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, thereby cooling the refrigeration compartment 13.

[0125] No cooling is provided to the freezer compartment.

[0126] [1-2-3. Operation of normal operation 1 (changing the operating state of the refrigeration fan 33)] Next, the control of normal operation 1 when the operating state of refrigeration fan 33 is changed will be described.

[0127] Fig. 12 is a timing chart showing the operation of the normal operation 1 of the refrigerator. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the normal operation 1 of the refrigerator.

[0128] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, when the freezer compartment sensor 82 detects a temperature equal to or higher than Tf1 (e.g., -18°C) (SC1: YES), the control unit 80 fully closes the switching valve 52, keeps the refrigeration fan 33 and the freezing fan 42 OFF, and drives the compressor 50 (SC2).

[0129] This operation causes pumping down and recovery of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cooler 41.

[0130] When the pump-down operation time has elapsed for a predetermined time Tpd (for example, 3 minutes) (SC3: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cold storage operation 1 (SC4).

[0131] In the cold-storage operation 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to the side of the refrigerating compartment 13. The refrigerating fan 33 remains OFF.

[0132] When the control unit 80 starts the cold storage operation 1, the compressor 50 is driven to send the refrigerant to the condenser 51, and the refrigerant that has exchanged heat in the condenser is sent to the cold storage cooler 32 (first mode).

[0133] At this time, the cold storage material 71 is cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant conducting member 60, and the cold storage material stores cold.

[0134] As a first condition, when the operation time of the cold-storage operation 1 has elapsed a predetermined time T2 (eg, 3 minutes) (SC5: YES), the control unit 80 performs the cold-storage operation 2 (SC6).

[0135] The first condition may be that when the cold storage material sensor 83 detects a predetermined temperature behavior of the cold storage material (for example, the detected temperature is lower than the freezing temperature of the cold storage material and is 1 K or more higher than the immediately preceding detected temperature), the control unit 80 performs cold storage operation 2.

[0136] In the cold storage operation 2, the refrigeration fan 33 is turned on. By driving the refrigeration fan 33, heat is exchanged between the cold storage material and the air in the refrigerator compartment 13 and the refrigeration cooler 32, and the cold storage material is cooled.

[0137] Thereafter, when the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 detects that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature Tr1 (for example, 2° C.) (SC7: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cooling operation 1 (SC8).

[0138] In the cold discharging operation 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to the freezing side, the refrigeration fan 33 is turned ON, and the freezing fan 42 is turned ON.

[0139] As the compressor 50 is driven, the refrigerant is sent to the freezing cooler 41, whereby heat is exchanged with the air inside the freezing compartment to cool the air inside the freezing compartment, thereby cooling the inside of the freezing compartment.

[0140] On the other hand, during the cold discharge operation 1, the refrigerant from the compressor 50 is not sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but is stored in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, so that the air inside the refrigeration chamber 13 passing through the refrigeration cooler 32 is cooled by the cold storage material, thereby cooling the inside of the refrigeration chamber 13.

[0141] When the control unit 80 detects via the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is lower than a predetermined temperature Tr2 (e.g., 6°C) (SC9: YES) and also detects via the freezer compartment sensor 82 that the temperature inside the freezer compartment has fallen below Tf2 (e.g., -22°C) (SC10: YES), it performs cooling operation 2 (SC11).

[0142] In the cold discharging operation 2, the compressor 50 and the freezing fan 42 are turned off, and with the changeover valve 52 closed, only the refrigeration fan 33 is turned on.

[0143] As a result, no refrigerant is sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but the air inside the refrigeration compartment 13 is cooled by storing cold in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, thereby cooling the refrigeration compartment 13.

[0144] No cooling is provided to the freezer compartment.

[0145] [1-2-4. Normal operation 2] Next, the control of normal operation 2 will be described.

[0146] Fig. 14 is a timing chart showing the operation of the refrigerator in normal operation 2. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation of the refrigerator in normal operation 2.

[0147] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, when the freezer compartment sensor 82 detects a temperature equal to or higher than Tf1 (e.g., -18°C) (SD1: YES), the control unit 80 fully closes the switching valve 52, keeps the refrigeration fan 33 and the freezing fan 42 OFF, and drives the compressor 50 (SD2).

[0148] This operation causes pumping down and recovery of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cooler 41.

[0149] When the pump-down operation time has elapsed for a predetermined time Tpd (eg, 3 minutes) (SD3: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cold storage operation (SD4).

[0150] In the cold storage operation, the changeover valve 52 is switched to the side of the refrigerating compartment 13, and the refrigerating fan 33 is controlled to be ON.

[0151] When the cold storage operation is started by the control unit 80, the compressor 50 is driven to send the refrigerant to the condenser 51, and the refrigerant that has been heat exchanged in the condenser is sent to the cooling device 32 for cold storage.

[0152] The refrigerant sent to the cold storage cooler 32 flows inside the upper region 63 having flowed in from the inlet header 66 of the refrigerant conducting member 60. The refrigerant that flows to the outlet header 67 flows through the middle region 64 via the outlet header 67, is sent to the inlet header 66, and flows through the lower region 65 via the inlet header 66. The refrigerant that has flowed through the lower region 65 flows out from the outlet header 67 and is returned to the compressor 50.

[0153] When the refrigerant fan 33 is driven while the refrigerant is flowing inside the refrigerant conducting member 60, the air inside the refrigerating chamber 13 flows from below to above the refrigerating chamber duct 31, passing through the air flow path 70 of the refrigerating cooler 32.

[0154] As a result, the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant conducting member 60 and is cooled.

[0155] At this time, the cold storage material 71 is cooled by the coolant flowing through the coolant conducting member 60, and the cold storage material stores cold.

[0156] Thereafter, when the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 detects that the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature Tr1 (for example, 2° C.) (SD5: YES), the control unit 80 starts the cooling operation 1 (SD6).

[0157] In the cold discharging operation 1, the switching valve 52 is switched to the freezing side (second mode), the refrigeration fan 33 is ON, and the freezing fan 42 is ON. In the second mode, for example, no refrigerant flows through the refrigeration cooler 32.

[0158] As the compressor 50 is driven, the refrigerant is sent to the freezing cooler 41, whereby heat is exchanged with the air inside the freezing compartment to cool the air inside the freezing compartment, thereby cooling the inside of the freezing compartment.

[0159] On the other hand, during the cold discharge operation 1, the refrigerant from the compressor 50 is not sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but is stored in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, so that the air inside the refrigeration chamber 13 passing through the refrigeration cooler 32 is cooled by the cold storage material, thereby cooling the inside of the refrigeration chamber 13.

[0160] When the control unit 80 detects that the temperature of the cold storage material is below a predetermined temperature Tc (e.g., 1°C) (SD7: YES) using the cold storage material sensor 83, the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is lower than a predetermined temperature Tr2 (e.g., 6°C) using the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 (SD8: YES), and the temperature inside the freezer compartment has fallen below Tf2 (e.g., -22°C) using the freezer compartment sensor 82 (SD9: YES), it performs cold discharging operation 2 (SD10).

[0161] In the cold discharging operation 2, the compressor 50 and the freezing fan 42 are turned off, and with the changeover valve 52 closed, only the refrigeration fan 33 is turned on.

[0162] As a result, no refrigerant is sent to the refrigeration cooler 32, but the air inside the refrigeration compartment 13 is cooled by storing cold in the cold storage material of the refrigeration cooler 32, thereby cooling the refrigeration compartment 13.

[0163] No cooling is provided to the freezer compartment.

[0164] Thereafter, as a second condition, if the control unit 80 detects via the freezer sensor 82 that the temperature inside the freezer is lower than Tf1 (e.g., -20°C) (SD11: NO) and also detects via the ice storage material sensor 83 that the temperature of the ice storage material is higher than a predetermined temperature Tc (e.g., 1°C) (SD12: NO), it performs cooling stop 1 (SD13).

[0165] In the cold radiation stop 1, the control unit 80 controls the refrigeration fan 33 to be OFF while keeping the compressor 50 and the freezing fan 42 OFF and keeping the switching valve 52 closed.

[0166] This stops the cooling of the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 by the cold storage material.

[0167] In addition, as a second condition, when the control unit 80 detects via the freezer sensor 82 that the temperature inside the freezer is lower than Tf1 (e.g., -20°C) and via the cold storage material sensor 83 that the temperature of the cold storage material is higher than a predetermined temperature Tc (e.g., 1°C), the control unit 80 may control the refrigeration fan 33 to a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 33 in cold release operation 2 while keeping the compressor 50 and the refrigeration fan 42 OFF and keeping the switching valve 52 closed.

[0168] During the cold discharging operation 1, if the cold storage material sensor 83 detects that the temperature of the cold storage material is higher than a predetermined temperature Tc (for example, 1° C.) (SD7: NO), as a second condition, the control unit 80 performs cold discharging stop 2 (SD14).

[0169] The second condition may be that cooling stop 2 is performed when a predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) has elapsed since the start of the second mode.

[0170] In the cold radiation stop 2, the control unit 80 controls the compressor 50 to be ON, the switching valve 52 to the freezing side, the freezing fan 42 to be ON, and the refrigeration fan 33 to be OFF.

[0171] This causes the interior of the freezer compartment to be cooled while the cooling of the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 by the cold storage material is stopped.

[0172] As a second condition, the control unit 80 determines whether the temperature of the cold storage material detected by the cold storage material sensor 83 is a predetermined temperature. If it is detected that the temperature is higher than the freezing temperature Tc (for example, 1°C), the compressor 50 may be turned ON, the switching valve 52 may be turned to the freezing side, the freezing fan 42 may remain ON, and the refrigeration fan 33 may be controlled to a rotation speed lower than the rotation speed of the refrigeration fan 33 in the cold-discharging operation 1.

[0173] Thereafter, when the control unit 80 detects via the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is lower than a predetermined temperature Tr2 (e.g., 6°C) (SD15: YES) and also detects via the freezer compartment sensor 82 that the temperature inside the freezer compartment has fallen below Tf2 (e.g., -22°C) (SD16: YES), it performs cooling stop 1 (SD13).

[0174] During cold discharge operation 1, if the cold storage material sensor 83 detects that the temperature of the cold storage material is below a predetermined temperature Tc (e.g., 1°C) (SD7: YES) and the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 detects that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is above a predetermined temperature Tr2 (e.g., 6°C) (SD8: NO), the control unit 80 performs pump-down control (SD2).

[0175] When the freezer compartment sensor 82 detects that the temperature inside the freezer compartment is equal to or higher than Tf1 (for example, −20° C.) during the cold discharging operation 2 (SD11: YES), the control unit 80 performs pump-down control (SD2).

[0176] During the operation of the cold release stop 2, when the refrigerator compartment sensor 81 detects that the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature Tr2 (for example, 6° C.) (SD15: NO), the control unit 80 performs pump-down control (SD2).

[0177] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a cold storage material 71, a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material 71, and a control unit 80 that controls the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit. The cooling unit includes a compressor 50, a fan, and a cooler. The control unit 80 changes the operating state of the compressor 50 or the fan in the first mode in which refrigerant flows through the cooler.

[0178] This allows the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material to be controlled, thereby saving energy.

[0179] Moreover, in the present embodiment, the refrigerator 1 includes a cold storage material 71, a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material 71, and a control unit 80 that controls the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit. The cooling unit includes a compressor 50, a fan, and a cooler, and the control unit 80 changes the operating state of the fan in the second mode in which no refrigerant flows through the cooler.

[0180] This allows the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material to be controlled, thereby saving energy.

[0181] In the present embodiment, in the first mode, before and after the first condition is satisfied, the compressor rotation speed before the condition is satisfied is higher than the compressor rotation speed after the first condition is satisfied.

[0182] This increases the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material, and by rapidly cooling the cold storage material, the supercooling time can be shortened, thereby saving energy.

[0183] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the first mode, before and after the first condition is satisfied, the fan rotation speed before the first condition is satisfied is lower than the fan rotation speed after the first condition is satisfied.

[0184] This increases the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material, and by rapidly cooling the cold storage material, the supercooling time can be shortened, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0185] In the present embodiment, the first condition includes that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the first mode.

[0186] This ensures reliable heat transfer to the cold storage material, and reduces the supercooling time, thereby saving energy.

[0187] In the present embodiment, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the cooler or the cold storage material is further provided, and the first condition includes that the temperature detector detects a predetermined temperature behavior.

[0188] This makes it possible to reliably eliminate supercooling through heat transfer to the cold storage material, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0189] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, in the second mode, before and after the second condition is satisfied, the fan rotation speed after the second condition is satisfied is lower than the fan rotation speed before the second condition is satisfied.

[0190] This reduces the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material and leaves some frozen areas without completely melting the cold storage material. When the cold storage material solidifies in the next first mode, the remaining frozen areas act as freezing nuclei, thereby suppressing the occurrence of supercooling and saving energy.

[0191] In the present embodiment, the second condition includes that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the second mode.

[0192] This ensures a reduction in the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material, and prevents the occurrence of supercooling, thereby saving energy.

[0193] In the present embodiment, a temperature detector that detects the temperature of the cooler or the cold storage material is further provided, and the second condition includes that the temperature detector detects a predetermined temperature.

[0194] This prevents the cold storage material from melting completely and ensures that frozen nuclei remain, suppressing the occurrence of supercooling and enabling energy savings.

[0195] In this embodiment, the regenerator material is disposed in thermal contact with the cooler.

[0196] This makes it easier to control the amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material, thereby saving energy.

[0197] As described above, the first embodiment has been described as an example of the technology disclosed in the present application. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited to this, and can be applied to embodiments in which modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. In addition, it is also possible to combine the components described in the first embodiment to create new embodiments. [Industrial Applicability]

[0198] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present disclosure can be suitably used in refrigerators that can save energy by cooling the interior of the refrigerator with a cold storage material. [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1. Refrigerator 10 Main unit 13 Refrigerator 14 Freezer 15 Vegetable compartment 16 Cold room 18 Ice Room 30 Refrigerator Cooling Room 31 Refrigerator Duct 32 Refrigerator Cooler 33 Refrigeration fan 34 Branch Duct 35 Refrigeration outlet 36 Refrigerator damper 40 Refrigeration cooling room 41 Refrigeration cooler 42 Refrigeration fan 43 Refrigeration outlet 44 Glass tube heater 50 Compressor 51 Condenser 52 Switching valve 53 Refrigerated Capillary Tube 54 Capillary tube for freezing 60 Refrigerant conducting member 61 Flat tube 62 Curved section 63 Upper area 64 Chubu region 65 Lower area 66 Inlet header 67 Outlet header 68 Inlet piping 69 Outlet side piping 70 Air Flow Path 71 Cold storage material 72 Cool storage container 74 Finn 80 Control section 81 Refrigerator compartment sensor 82 Freezer sensor 83 Cool storage material sensor

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a cold storage material; a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material; and a control unit that controls an amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit includes a compressor, a fan, and a cooler, and the control unit changes an operating state of the compressor or the fan during a first mode in which a refrigerant flows through the cooler.

2. A refrigerator comprising: a cold storage material; a cooling unit that cools the cold storage material; and a control unit that controls an amount of heat transferred to the cold storage material by the cooling unit, wherein the cooling unit includes a compressor, a fan, and a cooler, and the control unit changes an operating state of the fan during a second mode in which no refrigerant flows through the cooler.

3. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, before and after the first condition is satisfied in the first mode, the compressor rotation speed before the first condition is satisfied is higher than the compressor rotation speed after the first condition is satisfied.

4. 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein, before and after the first condition is satisfied in the first mode, the fan rotation speed before the first condition is satisfied is lower than the fan rotation speed after the first condition is satisfied.

5. 5. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the first condition includes a predetermined time having elapsed since the start of the first mode.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4, further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the cooler or the cold storage material, and the first condition includes that the temperature detection unit detects a predetermined temperature behavior.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 2, characterized in that, before and after the second condition is satisfied in the second mode, the fan rotation speed after the second condition is satisfied is lower than the fan rotation speed before the second condition is satisfied.

8. 8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the second condition includes that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the second mode.

9. 8. The refrigerator according to claim 7, further comprising a temperature detection unit that detects a temperature of the cooler or the cold storage material, and the second condition includes that the temperature detection unit detects a predetermined temperature.

10. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cold storage material is disposed in thermal contact with the cooler.

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