Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can restrain the occurrence of condensation in a vegetable chamber.SOLUTION: A refrigerator 1 comprises: a refrigerating chamber 21; a cooler chamber 102 housing a cooler 201 for generating cold air to be supplied to the refrigerating chamber 21; a vegetable chamber 51 arranged on a lower side of the refrigerating chamber 21, and housing a container 52; a freezing chamber 61 adjacent to the vegetable chamber 51 on a lower side of the vegetable chamber 51; a cooler chamber 509 housing a cooler 501 for generating cold air to be supplied to the vegetable chamber 51 and the freezing chamber 61, and arranged on a rear side of the vegetable chamber 51; a first air passage for guiding the cold air generated by the cooler 501 to a discharge port of the vegetable chamber 51; and a second air passage for guiding the cold air generated by the cooler 501 to a discharge port of the freezing chamber 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Patent document 1 states that "The refrigerator of this embodiment comprises a storage compartment in which a cold air outlet is formed, a cooler for cooling the storage compartment, and a fan device for supplying the cold air cooled by the cooler from the outlet into the storage compartment, and is configured so that one cooler has two or more fan devices for that cooler." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-156571 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the refrigerator described in Patent Document 1, the cold air used in the refrigerator compartment flows into the vegetable compartment, cooling the vegetable compartment (paragraph 0015). Therefore, the cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment is highly humid due to the moisture in the refrigerator compartment, and may cause condensation in the vegetable compartment. The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator capable of suppressing the occurrence of condensation in the vegetable compartment. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator of the present disclosure comprises a refrigerator compartment, a first cooler compartment accommodating a first cooler that generates cold air to be supplied to the refrigerator compartment, a vegetable compartment located below the refrigerator compartment and accommodating a container, a freezer compartment located below the vegetable compartment and adjacent to the vegetable compartment, a second cooler compartment located behind the vegetable compartment and accommodating a second cooler that generates cold air to be supplied to the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment, a first air duct that guides the cold air generated by the second cooler to an outlet of the vegetable compartment, and a second air duct that guides the cold air generated by the second cooler to an outlet of the freezer compartment. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the air path configuration through which the cool air generated by the second cooler flows. [Figure 4] 3 is a front view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of part C in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the vegetable compartment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the vegetable compartment and its vicinity, viewed from the diagonal front side. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plate heater. [Figure 10] FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific hardware configuration of the control device. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view of the vegetable compartment with the container housed therein. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view of the vegetable compartment with the container removed. [Figure 14] This is a front view of the vegetable compartment with the rear cover and container removed. [Figure 15] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the return port of the vegetable compartment cut in the front-to-rear direction. FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part F in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the rear side of the vegetable compartment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the structure of the rear of the vegetable compartment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of part G in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. [Figure 23] 21 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG. 20. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "embodiments") will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description of one embodiment, other embodiments applicable to the one embodiment will also be described as appropriate. The present disclosure is not limited to the one embodiment described below, and different embodiments can be combined with each other or modified as desired without significantly impairing the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the same components will be given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted. Furthermore, components having the same functions will be given the same names. The contents shown are merely schematic, and for convenience of illustration, changes may be made from the actual configuration within the scope of not significantly impairing the effects of the present disclosure, and some components may be omitted or modified between drawings. Furthermore, the same embodiment does not necessarily have to include all of the configurations.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a front view of a refrigerator 1 according to the present disclosure. The refrigerator 1 has doors 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Door 2 is a double door that can rotate around pivots (not shown) provided at each of the left and right ends of the refrigerator 1. Doors 3, 4, 5, and 6 are drawer-type doors. Heat insulating material is placed inside doors 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 1. Refrigerator 1 includes refrigerator compartment 21, which is closed by door 2, ice-making compartment 31, which is closed by door 3, vegetable compartment 51, which is closed by door 5, and freezer compartment 61 (a large freezer compartment) which is closed by door 6. Although not shown in FIG. 2, refrigerator 1 also includes freezer compartment 41 (a small freezer compartment; FIG. 3) which is closed by door 4. Freezer compartment 41 is disposed adjacent to ice-making compartment 31 in the left-right direction (horizontal direction). Refrigerator compartment 21, ice-making compartment 31, freezer compartment 41, vegetable compartment 51, and freezer compartment 61 are formed in insulated box body 10. Insulated box body 10 includes inner box 11, outer box 12, and thermal insulation material 13. Refrigerator compartment 21, ice-making compartment 31, freezer compartment 41, vegetable compartment 51, and freezer compartment 61 are all formed inside inner box 11, which is made of, for example, resin. Between the inner box 11 and an outer box 12 made of, for example, metal that constitutes the outer shell of the refrigerator 1, a heat insulating material 13 such as a vacuum heat insulating material or urethane foam foamed in place is arranged.

[0010] Refrigerating compartment 21 is a storage compartment (storage compartment for refrigerating temperature range) fixed at a refrigerating temperature range (for example, 3°C to 8°C). Refrigerating compartment 21 is arranged above ice-making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41, and adjacent to them. Inside refrigerating compartment 21, shelves 22 are arranged on which food and the like can be placed. Also, inside refrigerating compartment 21, chilled compartment 23 is arranged, which is fixed at a temperature range of, for example, 0°C to 2°C.

[0011] Ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 are both storage compartments (storage compartments in the freezing temperature range) fixed at a freezing temperature range (for example, -20°C to -18°C). Ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 are located below refrigerator compartment 21 and above vegetable compartment 51, adjacent to refrigerator compartment 21 and vegetable compartment 51 (vertically adjacent to each other). The sum of the capacities of ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41, i.e., the capacity of the storage compartment in the freezing temperature range located above vegetable compartment 51, is smaller than the capacity of freezer compartment 61. In other words, ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 are storage compartments in the freezing temperature range with smaller capacities than freezer compartment 61.

[0012] Vegetable compartment 51 is a storage compartment (storage compartment for the refrigerated temperature range) that is fixed at a refrigerated temperature range (for example, 3°C to 8°C). Vegetable compartment 51 is located below refrigerator compartment 21, ice-making compartment 31, and freezer compartment 41, and above freezer compartment 61, adjacent to ice-making compartment 31, freezer compartment 41, and freezer compartment 61. Vegetable compartment 51 stores containers 52 that can hold vegetables, beverages, etc. By placing vegetable compartment 51 at a high position that is somewhat away from the ground, it becomes easier for the user to take out vegetables, etc.

[0013] Freezer compartment 61 is a storage compartment (storage compartment for freezing temperature range) fixed at a freezing temperature range (for example, -20°C to -18°C). Freezer compartment 61 is disposed below refrigerator compartment 21 and vegetable compartment 51 and adjacent to vegetable compartment 51. Freezer compartment 61 accommodates a container 62 capable of holding frozen items such as frozen foods.

[0014] The refrigerator 1 comprises a cooler compartment 102 and a cooler compartment 509. The cooler compartment 102 (first cooler compartment) houses a cooler 201 (first cooler; evaporator) that generates cold air to be supplied to the refrigeration compartment 21. The cooler 201 is provided in the refrigerator 1 and is a structure that cools the refrigeration compartment 21. The cooler 201 is set to a temperature (for example, -15°C to 0°C) that simulates a storage compartment in the refrigeration temperature range. The cooler compartment 102 and the cooler 501 are arranged at the back of the refrigeration compartment 21.

[0015] Cooler compartment 509 (second cooler compartment) houses cooler 501 (second cooler; evaporator) that generates cold air to be supplied to vegetable compartment 51 and freezer compartment 61. Cooler 501 is set to a relatively lower temperature than cooler 201, at a temperature (for example, -28°C to -20°C) that is suitable for a storage compartment in the freezing temperature range. Therefore, cooler 501 generates cold air that can be supplied to a storage compartment in the freezing temperature range. However, as will be described in detail later, the cold air generated by cooler 501 that can be supplied to a storage compartment in the freezing temperature range is also supplied to vegetable compartment 51. Cooler 501 is provided in refrigerator 1 and is a structure that cools vegetable compartment 51 and freezer compartments 41, 61. Cooler 501 and cooler compartment 509 are disposed behind vegetable compartment 51. However, the cooler 501 and the cooler chamber 509 do not need to be disposed only behind the vegetable compartment 51, but it is sufficient if at least a portion of the cooler 501 and the cooler chamber 509 is disposed behind the vegetable compartment 51. In the example of the present disclosure, the cooler 501 and the cooler chamber 509 are disposed in a range including the rear side (rear) of the vegetable compartment 51, and in this embodiment, they straddle the rear of the vegetable compartment 51 and the rear of the freezer compartment 61. However, the cooler 501 and the cooler chamber 509 may be disposed only behind the rear side (rear) of the vegetable compartment 51.

[0016] In the example of the present disclosure, cooler 501 is disposed behind vegetable compartment 51 and freezer compartment 61, straddling vegetable compartment 51 and freezer compartment 61. This allows a large volume of cool air to be supplied to freezer compartment 61, which requires a large volume of air because it has a larger capacity than the combined capacity of ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41. Furthermore, cool air from cooler 501 can be supplied to ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41, which are in the freezing temperature range, without significantly reducing the volume of air.

[0017] 3 is a schematic diagram of the configuration of air passages through which cool air generated by cooler 501 flows. Refrigerator 1 includes air passage 300, air passage 511 (first air passage), and air passage 602 (second air passage). Refrigerator 1 also includes air outlets 32, 44, 506, 507, and 611.

[0018] Outlet 32 is provided in ice making compartment 31. Outlet 44 is provided in freezer compartment 41. Outlets 506 and 507 are provided in vegetable compartment 51. In FIG. 3, outlets 506 and 507 are shown as a single opening for the sake of simplicity, but in reality, they are separate openings. Outlet 611 is provided in freezer compartment 61. Air passage 300 is an air passage that guides the cold air generated in cooler 501 to outlets 32 and 44. Air passage 511 is an air passage that guides the cold air generated in cooler 501 to outlets 506 and 507. Air passage 602 is an air passage that guides the cold air generated in cooler 501 to outlet 611. Discharge is performed by the rotation of fan 505, and the cold air flows as indicated by the solid arrows.

[0019] In the refrigerator 1 of the present disclosure, cold air generated by the cooler 501 is directly discharged into the vegetable compartment 51. This allows dry cold air to be discharged into the vegetable compartment 51, thereby suppressing condensation in the vegetable compartment 51. Also, low-temperature cold air can be directly discharged into the vegetable compartment 51, thereby increasing the cooling speed of the vegetable compartment 51. Furthermore, above and below the vegetable compartment 51, the ice-making compartment 31 and the freezer compartments 41, 61, which are kept in the freezing temperature range, are disposed adjacent to the vegetable compartment 51. For this reason, even though the compartments are separated by the insulating walls 302, 601, the ice-making compartment 31 and the freezer compartments 41, 61 cool the vegetable compartment 51 to some extent. This allows the amount of cold air discharged directly into the vegetable compartment 51 to be reduced, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0020] The refrigerator 1 is provided with return ports 43, 510, and 612. The return port 43 is provided in the freezer compartment 41. The cold air from the freezer compartment 41 is returned to the cooler compartment 509 through the return port 43 as shown by the dashed arrow. The return port 510 is provided in the vegetable compartment 51. The cold air from the vegetable compartment 51 is returned to the cooler compartment 509 through the return port 510 as shown by the dashed arrow. The return port 612 is provided in the freezer compartment 61. The cold air from the freezer compartment 61 is returned to the cooler compartment 509 through the return port 612 as shown by the dashed arrow.

[0021] Returning to FIG. 2, refrigerator 1 is equipped with insulating walls 301, 302, 601, and 503. Insulating wall 301 is a structure that separates refrigerator compartment 21 from ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 vertically. Insulating wall 302 is a structure that separates ice making compartment 31, freezer compartment 41, and vegetable compartment 51 vertically. Insulating wall 601 (second insulating wall) is a structure that separates vegetable compartment 51 from freezer compartment 61 vertically. Insulating wall 503 (first insulating wall) is a structure that separates cooler compartment 509 from vegetable compartment 51 vertically.

[0022] FIG. 4 is a front view taken along line BB in FIG. 2. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of portion C in FIG. 4. The insulating wall 302 includes a lid 303, a housing 304, and a plate-shaped vacuum insulating material 305. The vacuum insulating material 305 is housed in a bottomed housing 304, and the lid 303 is arranged to cover the vacuum insulating material 305. The insulating wall 302, which separates the vegetable compartment 51 from the freezer compartment 41, is a separate member (a separate body) from the insulating box 10, and the insulating wall 302 is fitted into a groove 111 formed on the inner surface of the inner box 11 that constitutes the insulating box 10. Because the insulating wall 302 is a separate member from the insulating box 10, it is easy to attach a rear cover 521 ( FIG. 13 ) and the like that are arranged on the back surface of the insulating wall 302 to the insulating box 10. A sealing member (not shown), such as a packing, is arranged between the insulating wall 302 and the inner surface of the inner box 11 at the fitting portion. Although the explanation is omitted, the heat insulating wall 601 is also a separate member (a separate body) from the heat insulating box 10.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of vegetable compartment 51. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of portion D in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of vegetable compartment 51 as seen obliquely from the front. Outlets 506, 507 that discharge cool air into vegetable compartment 51 are provided in rear wall 571. Rear wall 571 is the surface of rear cover 521 that faces vegetable compartment 51. Outlet 506 (first outlet) is an opening that is located above the upper end of container 52 (drawer container) and discharges cool air in at least one of a horizontal direction and an obliquely upward direction. Outlet 506 preferably discharges cool air obliquely upward toward the underside of insulating wall 302 (the top surface of vegetable compartment 51).

[0024] Container 52 is provided in refrigerator 1. The top end of container 52 is open. Ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 are located above and adjacent to vegetable compartment 51. Therefore, insulating wall 302, which separates vegetable compartment 51 from ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41, is easily cooled by ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41. As described above, insulating wall 302 is separate from insulated box body 10, and even with the sealing member interposed, cold air can flow from ice making compartment 31 and freezer compartment 41 into vegetable compartment 51 through gaps formed between insulating wall 302 and insulated box body 10. Furthermore, because high-humidity cold air is present in vegetable compartment 51, condensation is likely to occur on the underside of insulating wall 302 (the surface facing vegetable compartment 51). Condensation is particularly likely to occur on the underside of insulating wall 302 on the rear side closer to cooler 501.

[0025] Therefore, by configuring outlet 506 in this manner, cool air can be discharged so as to brush against the underside of insulating wall 302, as shown by the thick solid arrows in Figs. 6 to 8. That is, the cool air flows forward between the upper opening (upper end) of container 52 and the top surface of crisper 51 (the bottom surface of insulating wall 302). At this time, the cool air is discharged horizontally, preferably upward, so as not to enter the interior of container 52 (particularly upper space 523). The cool air discharged from outlet 506 is dry cool air supplied directly from cooler chamber 509. Therefore, the area near the top surface of crisper 51 can be dried, and condensation on the top surface of crisper 51 can be suppressed.

[0026] Furthermore, the container 52 is divided into a front and a rear space, and the container 52 includes a front space 561 and a rear space 562. The space 562 is further divided into an upper space 523 and a lower space 524. In this embodiment, the container 52 is made up of an upper container 52a corresponding to the upper space 523 (forming the upper space 523 therein), and a lower container 52b corresponding to the front space 561 and the lower space 524 (forming the space 561 and the lower space 524 therein).

[0027] The cold air from the discharge port 506 flowing from the rear to the front between the container 52 and the insulating wall 302 collides with the inner surface of the door 5. As a result, the cold air flows into the interior of the space 561 adjacent to the inner surface of the door 5 from above the space 561. This allows the interior of the space 561 located farthest from the discharge port 506 to be cooled. Furthermore, the space 561 and the lower space 524 are communicated with each other through a communication port 525 located at the rear of the space 561. Therefore, the cold air flowing into the space 561 from above flows into the lower space 524 through the communication port 525. The cold air inside the lower space 524 is discharged to the outside of the container 52 through a communication port 528 formed at the rear of the lower space 524. By providing the outlet 506, dry cool air can be introduced into the lower space 524, where it is difficult for cool air to flow directly from the outlets 506 and 507 due to the rear wall of the container 52, and condensation inside can be suppressed.

[0028] In another embodiment, the outlet 506 is disposed near the upper end of the container 52 and discharges cool air obliquely upward. Here, "near the upper end of the container 52" means close enough to the upper end of the container 52 that most of the container air discharged from the outlet 506 is not blown onto the container 52 (at the same height as the upper end, above the upper end, or below the upper end). More specifically, the position near the upper end is a position where the axis extending from the opening that constitutes the outlet 506 (the axis extending perpendicular to the opening) does not overlap with the container 52. This arrangement also makes it possible to suppress condensation on the underside of the insulating wall 302.

[0029] On the other hand, outlet 507 (second outlet) provided below outlet 506 is provided in insulating wall 503 within the height range of container 52. Outlet 507 discharges cold air toward insulating wall 601 (second insulating wall) as shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 6 to 8. That is, outlet 507 is located at a position lower than the upper end of container 52, and discharges cold air in at least one of the horizontal direction and the diagonally downward direction. Since cold air has a high specific gravity, cold air discharged horizontally, for example, will flow downward due to its own weight toward insulating wall 601. As a result, cold air is discharged toward insulating wall 601.

[0030] A freezer compartment 61 is provided adjacent to the vegetable compartment 51 below the vegetable compartment 51. For this reason, condensation can also occur on the upper surface (bottom surface of the vegetable compartment 51) of the insulating wall 601 that separates the vegetable compartment 51 from the freezer compartment 61. Therefore, by discharging dry cool air toward the upper surface of the insulating wall 601, the vicinity of the upper surface of the insulating wall 601 can be dried, and condensation on the insulating wall 601 can be suppressed.

[0031] As described above, outlet 506 (first outlet) and outlet 507 (second outlet) are connected to cooler chamber 509, which houses cooler 501 that cools vegetable chamber 51. Therefore, some of the cold air supplied to the storage compartments (ice-making compartment 31, freezer compartments 41, 61) in the freezing temperature range is supplied to vegetable chamber 51. Since highly humid cold air is present in vegetable chamber 51, supplying dry cold air directly from cooler chamber 509 can suppress condensation in vegetable chamber 51 as described above.

[0032] The refrigerator 1 also includes a damper 508 that switches between discharging and not discharging cool air through the outlets 506 and 507. Opening the damper 508 connects the outlets 506 and 507 to the cooler compartment 509, causing cool air to be discharged from the outlets 506 and 507. Closing the damper 508 disconnects the outlets 506 and 507 from the cooler compartment 509, causing the cool air to stop being discharged from the outlets 506 and 507. Although one damper 508 may be used to switch between opening and closing both of the outlets 506 and 507 as in this embodiment, two dampers 508 may be used to switch between opening and closing each of the outlets 506 and 507.

[0033] The amount of cold air discharged per unit time from outlet 507 is greater than the amount of cold air discharged per unit time from outlet 506. This allows vegetables and the like stored in container 52 to be sufficiently indirectly cooled with the wall surface of container 52 interposed therebetween. Furthermore, cold air can be made to flow along the underside of insulating wall 301 through outlet 506 with a relatively small air volume, thereby suppressing condensation on the underside.

[0034] The amount (air volume) of cool air discharged from outlets 506 and 507 can be adjusted, for example, by changing the ratio between the cross-sectional area of air passage 526 connected to outlet 506 and the cross-sectional area of air passage 527 connected to outlet 507. For example, if the amount of cool air discharged per unit time from outlet 507 is to be greater than the amount of cool air discharged per unit time from outlet 506, the cross-sectional area of air passage 527 connected to outlet 507 can be made larger than the cross-sectional area of air passage 526 connected to outlet 506. Furthermore, when two dampers 508 are used, dampers 508 can be opened and closed so that the open time of outlet 507 per unit time is longer than the open time of outlet 506.

[0035] Furthermore, a fin gasket 7 may be provided at the rear lower end of the upper container 52a. The fin gasket 7 is provided across substantially the entire width of the rear lower end of the upper container 52a so as to close the gap between the rear lower end of the upper container 52a and the rear upper end of the lower container 52b except for a portion of the gap (except for the vicinity of both the left and right ends in this embodiment). This makes it possible to prevent excessive intrusion of cool air from the discharge port 507 through the gap.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a heating mechanism 504 provided in an insulating wall 601 that separates the vegetable compartment 51 and the freezer compartment 61. The refrigerator 1 includes a heating mechanism 504 in the insulating wall 601 that heats the bottom surface of the vegetable compartment 51. The heating mechanism 504 is provided in the insulating wall 601 that separates the vegetable compartment 51 and the freezer compartment 61. In the example of the present disclosure, the heating mechanism 504 is a plate heater that is built into the insulating wall 601. Because the freezer compartment 61 is located below the vegetable compartment 51, the insulating wall 601 is easily cooled by the cold air from the freezer compartment 61. As a result, condensation is likely to occur on the upper surface of the insulating wall 601 due to the high-humidity cold air present in the vegetable compartment 51. Therefore, by heating the insulating wall 601 with the heating mechanism 504, condensation on the upper surface of the insulating wall 601 can be suppressed. The heating mechanism 504 can also be used to heat the vegetable compartment 51 if it becomes too cold.

[0037] Heating mechanism 504 includes support member 541 and heating wire 542 disposed on the upper surface of support member 541. Heating wire 542 is connected to a power source (not shown) of refrigerator 1. When control device 500 (FIG. 2) applies electricity to heating wire 542, heating wire 542 generates heat and heats the floor of vegetable compartment 51, which is the upper surface of insulating wall 531. Heating mechanism 504 may constantly heat vegetable compartment 51 or may heat it intermittently at any timing. When heating intermittently, specifically, when cold air is discharged through outlet 507, the discharged cold air is directed toward the floor of vegetable compartment 51, which makes the floor prone to condensation. Therefore, for example, heating mechanism 504 can be performed when cold air is discharged through outlet 507. This prevents the vicinity of the floor from becoming overcooled.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a top view of vegetable compartment 51. Discharge outlet 506 is located to the left or right of the center of vegetable compartment 51 in the left-right direction when viewed from above. In the example shown, discharge outlet 506 is located to the left. Discharge outlet 506 also discharges cold air toward side wall surface 622 opposite side wall surface 621 of vegetable compartment 51 that is closer to discharge outlet 506. This allows cold air to reach side wall surface 622 that is relatively far from discharge outlet 506 and therefore difficult for cold air to reach. In the example of the present disclosure, discharge outlet 506 discharges cold air in at least two directions: toward the front of refrigerator 1 and toward side wall surface 622. Of these directions, discharge outlet 506 mainly discharges cold air toward the front of refrigerator 1.

[0039] 11 is a block diagram showing a specific hardware configuration of the control device 500. The control device 500 is a control device that controls the operation of the refrigerator 1. The control includes, for example, control of a refrigeration cycle (not shown) including the coolers 201 and 501, control of the rotation of the fan 505, control of the opening and closing of the damper 508, control of the energization of the heating mechanism 504, and the like.

[0040] The control device 500 is configured to include, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1001, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1002, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1003, an I / F (Interface) 1004, and a bus 1005. The CPU 1001, RAM 1002, ROM 1003, and I / F 1004 are connected via, for example, the bus 1005. The control device 500 is realized by a predetermined program stored in the ROM 1003 being loaded into the RAM 1002 and executed by the CPU 1001. In terms of hardware, signals and information are exchanged between the control device 500 and various devices (such as servers), external networks, etc., via the I / F 1004.

[0041] The control device 500 discharges cool air through the outlet 506 in accordance with the temperature of the vegetable compartment 51. At the same time, the control device 500 discharges cool air into the vegetable compartment 51 at predetermined intervals. As described above, cool air generated by one cooler 501 is discharged into the ice-making compartment 31, the freezer compartments 41 and 61, and the vegetable compartment 51. Therefore, if cool air is not discharged into the vegetable compartment 51 because the room temperature of the vegetable compartment 51 is within the set temperature range, but cool air is discharged into the freezer compartments 41 and 61 because the room temperature of the freezer compartments 41 and 61 is not within the set temperature range, condensation may form in the vegetable compartment 51. Furthermore, the relatively low-temperature, dry cool air discharged into the vegetable compartment 51 accumulates downward, while the relatively high-temperature, humid cool air rises and tends to accumulate near the top surface of the vegetable compartment 51. Therefore, the control device 500 discharges cool air into the vegetable compartment 51 at predetermined intervals, regardless of the temperature of the vegetable compartment 51. This prevents relatively high-temperature, high-humidity cold air from accumulating near the top surface of vegetable compartment 51, thereby preventing condensation in vegetable compartment 51.

[0042] The temperature of vegetable compartment 51 is measured by, for example, a temperature sensor 603 (FIG. 13) provided in vegetable compartment 51. The predetermined time, which is the timing for discharging cool air, may be constant or may be changed depending on the environment in which refrigerator 1 is placed, such as the season or room temperature. For example, the time may be relatively short in winter when the temperature is low, and relatively long in summer when the temperature is high.

[0043] Fig. 12 is a front view of vegetable compartment 51 with container 52 stored therein. As described above, discharge outlet 506 is located higher than the upper end of container 52 or is located near the upper end of container 52. Therefore, in Fig. 12, which shows a state in which door 6 closing vegetable compartment 51 is removed, discharge outlet 506 is often visible from the front side. In the example shown, discharge outlet 506 is located higher than the upper end of container 52, so discharge outlet 506 is visible from the front side.

[0044] 13 is a front view of vegetable compartment 51 with container 52 removed. By removing container 52, outlet 507, temperature sensor 603, and return port 510, which are arranged on the rear side of container 52, are exposed on the front side. An insulating wall 503 is arranged on the rear side of vegetable compartment 51. As described above, rear wall 571 of rear cover 521 is arranged on the surface of insulating wall 503 facing vegetable compartment 51. Rear wall 571 has a rectangular shape when viewed from the front of vegetable compartment 51, and has four corners 552.

[0045] In the rear wall 571 of the vegetable compartment 51, the outlet 506 and the return port 510 that returns the cool air from the vegetable compartment 51 are arranged on or near the diagonal line L1 when viewed from the front of the vegetable compartment 51. The diagonal line L1 is a line segment connecting two diagonally opposite corners 552. In the example of the present disclosure, the outlet 506 and the return port 510 are arranged near the diagonal line L1. This arrangement allows the outlet 506 and the return port 510 to be spaced as far apart as possible, thereby improving the effect of suppressing condensation on the top surface of the vegetable compartment 51. Note that the vicinity of the diagonal line L1 refers to the area between the diagonal line L1 and an axis L2 that extends in a direction intersecting the diagonal line L1 at an angle θ within ±20°, for example.

[0046] In the illustrated example, the outlet 506 is located near a corner 552. The return port 510 is located near a corner 552 opposite the corner 552 where the outlet 532 is located.

[0047] 14 is a front view of vegetable compartment 51 with rear cover 521 and container 52 removed. Heat insulating material 513, which is a vacuum heat insulating material, is provided immediately behind rear cover 521. Heat insulating material 513 has a shape that avoids discharge ports 506 and 507, for example, a polygonal shape (a pentagonal shape in the illustrated example).

[0048] Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of return port 510 in vegetable compartment 51, cut in the front-rear direction. Fig. 16 is an enlarged view of part F in Fig. 15. Refrigerator 1 is equipped, from the rear to the front of refrigerator 1, with cooler compartment 509 accommodating cooler 501, insulation material 513 which is a vacuum insulation material, back cover 521 formed with return port 510 that returns cool air to cooler compartment 509, and vegetable compartment 51. As shown by the thick solid arrow in Fig. 16, the highly humid cool air in vegetable compartment 51 flows into return port 510 and flows through air passage 522. Therefore, the highly humid cool air gathers around return port 510.

[0049] As described above, the cooler 501 in the freezing temperature range is disposed behind the crisper 51 and the freezer 61, straddling them. Therefore, although the insulating wall 503 disposed on the rear side of the crisper 51 incorporates the insulating material 513, the return port 510 disposed directly in front of the cooler 501 is easily cooled by the cooler 501. Furthermore, the insulating material 513 (first insulating material) is a vacuum insulating material, as described above. The vacuum insulating material, for example, has a core material inside, and a metal (e.g., aluminum) foil is disposed to cover the core material. Therefore, the surface of the insulating material 513 is formed of metal, and the cooler 501 disposed on the rear side of the insulating material 513 easily cools the return port 510 disposed on the front side of the insulating material 513. Furthermore, if the return port 510 is cooled, at least one of condensation and frosting is likely to occur near the return port 510 and in the air passage 522 through which the humid cool air flows.

[0050] Therefore, between air passage 522 connecting return port 510 and cooler chamber 509 and heat insulating material 513 (first heat insulating material), heat insulating material 512 (second heat insulating material) having a lower thermal conductivity than the surface of heat insulating material 513 is arranged. This makes it possible to prevent the high-humidity cold air from being cooled by heat insulating material 513, and to prevent condensation and frost formation on return port 510, the surface of heat insulating material 513, air passage 522, etc.

[0051] The heat insulating material 512 is, for example, styrofoam (expanded polystyrene), a resin material, rubber, etc. The heat insulating material 512 may be, for example, a heat insulating material that includes an air layer to improve the heat insulating effect.

[0052] Air passage 522 is formed at least directly in front of thermal insulation material 513, which is a vacuum thermal insulation material. This prevents the high humidity cool air passing through air passage 522 from being cooled by thermal insulation material 512, thereby preventing condensation and frost formation.

[0053] Return port 510 is positioned so as to overlap the portion of insulating material 513 projected onto the front side of refrigerator 1. That is, when vegetable compartment 51 is viewed from the front side of refrigerator 1, return port 510 overlaps with insulating material 513. For this reason, the high humidity cold air around return port 510 is likely to be cooled by insulating material 513. However, by arranging insulating material 512 between return port 510 and insulating material 513, the high humidity cold air around return port 510 can be prevented from being cooled, and condensation and frost formation can be prevented.

[0054] In the example of the present disclosure, air passage 522 is also arranged at least below heat insulating material 513 (first heat insulating material). Heat insulating material 512 (second heat insulating material) is arranged between air passage 522 and heat insulating material 513. In this way, it is possible to prevent the high-humidity cold air flowing below heat insulating material 513 from being cooled, and it is possible to prevent condensation and frost formation.

[0055] Fig. 17 is an exploded perspective view showing the structure of the rear side of vegetable compartment 51. However, in Fig. 17, rear cover 521 has been removed, and an exploded perspective view of the structure shown in Fig. 14 above is shown. In vegetable compartment 51, from the front to the rear of refrigerator 1, there are provided rear cover 521 made of, for example, resin, heat insulating material 512, heat insulating material 513 which is a vacuum heat insulating material, heat insulating material 533 such as foam heat insulating material (such as Styrofoam) having a portion into which heat insulating material 513 is fitted, and rear panel 514 made of, for example, resin. Of these, heat insulating materials 512, 513, and 533 form heat insulating wall 503 (Fig. 2).

[0056] A heat insulating material 533 is provided on the rear side of the heat insulating material 513. This makes it possible to prevent heat from being transferred from a heater 572 (FIG. 16) disposed on the opposite side of the heat insulating material 513 as viewed from the heat insulating material 533 to the heat insulating material 513. The heater 572 is a structure for defrosting the cooler 501. The output (heat generation amount per unit time) of the heater 572 is greater than the output (heat generation amount per unit time) of the heating mechanism 504. A return port 612 is formed in the rear panel 514. A groove 5031 into which the L-shaped heat insulating material 512 is inserted is formed in the heat insulating material 533.

[0057] Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the structure of the back of vegetable compartment 51. Fig. 19 is an enlarged view of part G in Fig. 18. Thermal insulation material 512 is a preformed foamed thermal insulation material. This allows thermal insulation material 512 to be positioned according to the structure of air passage 522. Preformed foamed thermal insulation material is not a so-called foamed-in-place material that is foamed inside insulated box body 10 (refrigerator 1), but rather a foamed thermal insulation material that is preformed so that it can be attached to insulated box body 10 (refrigerator 1) as is.

[0058] Furthermore, heat insulating material 512 is exposed to air passage 522. This allows the distance between heat insulating material 512 and air passage 522 to be shortened, and heat insulating material 512 can be made larger, improving the heat insulating effect.

[0059] The heat insulating material 512 has a curved structure that supports the front and bottom surfaces of the plate-shaped heat insulating material 513. Such heat insulating material 512 allows the heat insulating material 513 to be fixed without using a separate member for fixing the heat insulating material 513. However, a member for fixing the heat insulating material 513 (for example, tape, etc.) may be used as an auxiliary member. In the example of the present disclosure, the heat insulating material 512 has an L-shape and supports the heat insulating material 512 near the corners of the heat insulating material 512.

[0060] Fig. 20 is a perspective view of container 52. In container 52, upper container 52a forming upper space 523 and lower container 52b forming lower space 524 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. Fig. 21 is a perspective view of upper container 52a. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of lower container 52b. Fig. 23 is an HH cross-sectional view of container 52 shown in Fig. 20.

[0061] A handle 52a1 is formed on the front wall of the upper container 52a. This handle 52a1 is recessed relative to the flange 52a2 on the upper edge of the upper container 52a. Inner box sliding portions 52a3 are formed on the upper portions of both the left and right side walls of the upper container 52a and are formed contiguous with the flanges 52a2 at approximately the same height. The inner box sliding portions 52a3 slide in the front-to-rear direction on support portions 112 (see FIG. 5) formed on the left and right side walls of the inner box 11 when the door 5 is opened or closed. The upper ends of the front and rear walls of the upper container 52a are formed lower than the upper ends of the left and right side walls. This allows cool air from an outlet 506 (see FIGS. 6 and 7) provided at the rear of the upper container 52a to be efficiently guided to the space on the front side of the vegetable compartment 51 (the space in front of the front wall of the upper container 52a).

[0062] Container sliding portions 52a4 are formed in multiple locations (three locations in this embodiment) in the front-to-rear direction on the lower portion of both the left and right side walls of the upper container 52a, and are in contact with the sliding receiving portions 52b2 of the lower container 52b. Ribs 52a5 that do not contact the sliding receiving portions 52b2 are formed between the container sliding portions 52a4. Flange portions 52b1 that protrude upward from the sliding receiving portions 52b2 are formed on the upper edges of both the left and right side walls of the lower container 52b. The lower end of the rib 52a5 is formed below the upper end of the flange portion 52b1. The flange portions 52b1 and the sliding receiving portions 52b2 are formed to extend in the front-to-rear direction.

[0063] When the upper container 52a is pulled out or pushed back with the door 5 open, the container sliding portion 52a4 on the upper container 52a slides back and forth while in contact with the sliding receiving portion 52b2 on the lower container 52b. The rib 52a5 has a generally L-shaped cross section so as to cover the upper and outer sides of the flange portion 52b1. This prevents cold air from the discharge port 506 from entering the lower space 524 through the gap S between the upper container 52a and the lower container 52b.

[0064] The present disclosure encompasses the following technical ideas (including appendices).

[0065] [Technical thought 1] In conventional refrigerators, the cold air used in the refrigerator compartment flows into the vegetable compartment, cooling it (paragraph 0015). Therefore, the cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment is highly humid due to the moisture in the refrigerator compartment, and this can cause condensation in the vegetable compartment. The problem that Technical Idea 1 aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress condensation in the vegetable compartment. [Appendix 1-1] A refrigerator compartment and a first cooler chamber that accommodates a first cooler that generates cool air to be supplied to the refrigeration chamber; A vegetable compartment arranged below the refrigerating compartment and accommodating a container; A freezer compartment adjacent to the vegetable compartment below the vegetable compartment; A second cooler chamber that accommodates a second cooler that generates cold air to be supplied to the vegetable chamber and the freezer chamber and is arranged behind the vegetable chamber; A first air duct that guides the cold air generated by the second cooler to the outlet of the vegetable compartment; a second air duct that guides the cold air generated in the second cooler to the outlet of the freezing compartment. A refrigerator characterized by: [Appendix 1-2] The second cooler is disposed across the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment, A storage chamber for a freezing temperature range having a smaller capacity than the freezer chamber is provided above the vegetable chamber and adjacent to the vegetable chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 1-1. [Appendix 1-3] A first insulating wall separating the second cooler chamber and the vegetable chamber; A second insulating wall separating the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment; an outlet provided in the first insulating wall within the height range of the container, for discharging cold air toward the second insulating wall; The refrigerator according to claim 1-1. [Appendix 1-4] The container is divided into a front and a rear portion, An outlet for discharging cold air into the vegetable compartment is provided, The discharge port is The cooling fan is positioned above the upper end of the container and discharges cool air in at least one of a horizontal direction and an obliquely upward direction, or It is placed near the top end of the container and discharges cool air diagonally upward. The refrigerator according to claim 1-1. [Appendix 1-5] A heat insulating wall separating the vegetable compartment from the freezer compartment is provided with a heating mechanism for heating the bottom surface of the vegetable compartment. The refrigerator according to claim 1-1.

[0066] [Technical thought 2] In conventional refrigerators, the freezer compartment is located adjacent to and above the vegetable compartment. However, to improve assembly ease, an insulating wall, which is a separate component from the insulated box, is sometimes attached to the insulated box. In this case, cold air from the freezer compartment may leak into the vegetable compartment through gaps in the insulating wall that was installed later. As a result, when humid air from the vegetable compartment comes into contact with the insulating wall separating the freezer compartment and the vegetable compartment, condensation may form on the top surface of the vegetable compartment. The problem that Technical Concept 2 aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress condensation on the top surface of the vegetable compartment.

[0067] [Appendix 2-1] A container and A thermal insulation box formed with a vegetable chamber storing the container and a freezer chamber adjacent to the vegetable chamber above the vegetable chamber; An insulating wall that separates the vegetable compartment from the freezer compartment and is a separate member from the insulating box body; A first outlet for discharging cold air into the vegetable compartment, The first outlet is The cooling fan is positioned above the upper end of the container and discharges cool air in at least one of a horizontal direction and an obliquely upward direction, or It is placed near the top end of the container and discharges cool air diagonally upward. refrigerator. [Appendix 2-2] In the rear wall of the vegetable compartment, the first discharge port and the return port for returning the cool air from the vegetable compartment are arranged on a diagonal line or in the vicinity of the diagonal line when viewed from the front of the vegetable compartment. The refrigerator according to claim 2-1, [Appendix 2-3] a second outlet that is disposed at a position lower than the upper end of the container and that discharges cool air in at least one of a horizontal direction and an obliquely downward direction; The first outlet and the second outlet are connected to a cooler chamber that accommodates a cooler that cools the vegetable chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 2-1, [Appendix 2-4] The amount of cool air discharged from the second outlet per unit time is greater than the amount of cool air discharged from the first outlet per unit time. The refrigerator according to claim 2-3, [Appendix 2-5] The first outlet is When viewed from above, the vegetable compartment is positioned to the left or right of the center of the vegetable compartment in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the cool air is discharged toward a side wall surface of the vegetable compartment opposite to the side wall surface closer to the first discharge port. The refrigerator according to claim 2-1, [Appendix 2-6] A control device is provided that discharges cold air through the first discharge port in accordance with the temperature of the vegetable compartment and discharges cold air into the vegetable compartment at predetermined time intervals. The refrigerator according to claim 2-1, [Appendix 2-7] The refrigerator includes a first cooler that cools the refrigerator compartment and a second cooler that cools the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment. The second cooler is disposed on the rear side of the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment, straddling the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment. The refrigerator according to claim 2-1,

[0068] [Technical thought 3] In conventional refrigerators, the return air duct for the vegetable compartment is located to the side of the vacuum insulation (Fig. 15). Because a cooler is installed behind the vacuum insulation (Fig. 9), the vacuum insulation is easily cooled by the cooler. As a result, when high-humidity cold air from the vegetable compartment flows into the return air duct located near the cooled vacuum insulation, the high-humidity cold air is cooled in the return air duct, which can cause condensation. The problem that Technical Concept 3 aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress condensation caused by cold air returning from the vegetable compartment.

[0069] [Appendix 3-1] A refrigerator, The refrigerator includes, in order from the rear to the front, a cooler chamber accommodating a cooler, a first insulating material which is a vacuum insulating material, a back cover formed with a return port for returning cold air to the cooler chamber, and a vegetable compartment, A second insulating material having a lower thermal conductivity than the surface of the first insulating material is disposed between the first insulating material and an air passage connecting the return port and the cooler chamber. A refrigerator characterized by: [Appendix 3-2] The cooler generates cold air that can be supplied to a storage compartment at a freezing temperature range. The refrigerator according to claim 3-1, [Appendix 3-3] The air passage is formed at least directly in front of the vacuum heat insulating material. The refrigerator according to claim 3-1, [Appendix 3-4] The second insulation material is a preformed foam insulation material. The refrigerator according to claim 3-1, [Appendix 3-5] The return port is disposed at a position overlapping a portion of the first insulating material projected onto the front side of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to Supplementary Note 3-1, [Appendix 3-6] The air passage is disposed at least below the first insulating material, The second insulating material is disposed between the air passage and the first insulating material. The refrigerator according to claim 3-1, [Appendix 3-7] The second insulating material is exposed to the air passage. 7. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein: [Appendix 3-8] The second insulating material has a bent structure that supports the front and bottom surfaces of the plate-shaped first insulating material. The refrigerator according to claim 3-1, [Explanation of symbols]

[0070] 1 refrigerator 10 Insulated box 102 Cooler room (1st cooler room) 11 Inner box 111 Groove 112 Support part 12 outer box 13. Insulation 2 doors 201 Cooler (1st cooler) 21 Refrigerator 22 Shelves 23 Chilled Room 3 doors 300 Wind path 301 Insulated Wall 302 Insulated Wall 303 Lid 304 Case 305 Vacuum insulation material 31 Ice maker 32 Discharge port 4 doors 41 Freezer 43 Return Entrance 44 Discharge port 5 doors 500 control device 501 Cooler (2nd cooler) 503 Insulated wall (first insulated wall) 5031 Groove 504 Heating mechanism 505 Fan 506 Discharge port 507 Discharge port 508 Damper 509 Cooler room 51 Vegetable compartment 510 Return Entrance 511 Wind path (1st wind path) 512 Insulation 513 Insulation 514 rear panel 52 Container 52a Upper vessel 52a1 Handle 52a2 flange 52a3 Inner box sliding part 52a4 Container sliding part 52a5 Ribs 52b Lower container 52b1 flange 52b2 Sliding receiving part 521 Back cover 522 Wind path 523 Upper Space 524 Lower space 525 Connecting port 526 Wind path 527 Wind path 528 Connecting port 531 Insulated Wall 532 Discharge port 533 Insulation 541 Support member 542 Heating wire 552 corner 561 Space 562 Space 571 Back wall 572 heater 6 doors 601 Insulated wall (second insulated wall) 602 Wind path (2nd wind path) 603 Temperature Sensor 61 Freezer 611 Discharge port 612 Return entrance 62 Container 621 Side wall 622 Side wall 7 Fin packing L1 diagonal L2 axis θ angle

Claims

1. A refrigerator compartment and a first cooler chamber accommodating a first cooler that generates cool air to be supplied to the refrigeration chamber; A vegetable compartment arranged below the refrigerating compartment and accommodating a container; A freezer compartment adjacent to the vegetable compartment below the vegetable compartment; A second cooler chamber accommodates a second cooler that generates cold air to be supplied to the vegetable chamber and the freezer chamber and is arranged behind the vegetable chamber; A first air duct that guides the cold air generated by the second cooler to the outlet of the vegetable compartment; a second air duct that guides the cold air generated by the second cooler to an outlet of the freezing compartment. A refrigerator characterized by:

2. The second cooler is disposed across the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment, A storage chamber for a freezing temperature range having a smaller capacity than the freezer chamber is provided above the vegetable chamber and adjacent to the vegetable chamber.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 .

3. A first insulating wall separating the second cooler chamber and the vegetable chamber; A second insulating wall separating the vegetable compartment and the freezer compartment; an outlet provided in the first insulating wall within the height range of the container and for discharging cold air toward the second insulating wall; 2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 .

4. The container is divided into a front and a back, An outlet for discharging cold air into the vegetable compartment is provided, The discharge port is The cooling fan is positioned above the upper end of the container and discharges cool air in at least one of a horizontal direction and an obliquely upward direction, or It is placed near the top end of the container and discharges cool air diagonally upward.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 .

5. A heat insulating wall separating the vegetable compartment from the freezer compartment is provided with a heating mechanism for heating the bottom surface of the vegetable compartment.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 .

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