Refrigerator and control method for refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that restrains a decrease in cooling performance, and a control method for the refrigerator.SOLUTION: A refrigerator according to an embodiment comprises a case, a cooling part, a machine chamber, a first opening part, a second opening part, an air blower, and a control part. The case includes a storage chamber. The cooling part comprises a cooler for cooling the storage chamber, and a compressor for supplying a refrigerant to the cooler. At least a portion of the cooling part is housed in the machine chamber. The first opening part and the second opening part establish communication between the outside and the inside of the machine chamber, and are provided separately from each other. The air blower can blow air in a first flow direction toward the second opening part from the first opening part, or a second flow direction toward the first opening part from the second opening part. The control part controls the cooling part and the air blower. The control part sends air inside the machine chamber in the first flow direction in a refrigerant supply state in which the refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, and sends the air inside the machine chamber in the second flow direction in a refrigerant stop state in which the refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator and a method for controlling a refrigerator. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there are refrigerators equipped with a refrigeration cycle device that cools a storage compartment. A part of the refrigeration cycle device is housed together with a blower in a machine compartment provided on the rear side of the refrigerator. In addition, an opening is provided on the rear or side of the machine compartment through which air is drawn into the machine compartment by the blower.

[0003] In the refrigerator described above, if the opening is blocked by dust or the like, the cooling performance may be reduced. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 8-189752 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator and a method for controlling the refrigerator that suppress a decrease in cooling performance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a housing, a cooling unit, a machine compartment, a first opening, a second opening, a blower, and a control unit. The housing includes a storage compartment. The cooling unit includes a cooler that cools the storage compartment and a compressor that supplies refrigerant to the cooler. The machine compartment accommodates at least a portion of the cooling unit. The first opening and the second opening communicate with the exterior and interior of the machine compartment and are spaced apart from each other. The blower can blow air inside the machine compartment in a first flow direction from the first opening to the second opening or a second flow direction from the second opening to the first opening. The control unit controls the cooling unit and the blower. In a refrigerant supply state in which the refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, the control unit controls the blower to send air inside the machine compartment in the first flow direction, and in a refrigerant stop state in which the refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler, the control unit controls the blower to send air inside the machine compartment in the second flow direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the rear of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a machine compartment of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a machine compartment of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cooling device of a refrigerator according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be denoted by the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0009] In this embodiment, the vertical direction of refrigerator 1 is defined as the "up-down direction Z," the vertically upward direction as the "upper UP" in the vertical direction Z, and the vertically downward direction as the "lower LO" in the vertical direction Z. Furthermore, the left-right direction as viewed from a user standing in front of refrigerator 1 is defined as the "width direction X," the leftward direction as the "leftward LT" in the width direction X, and the rightward direction as the "rightward RT" in the width direction X. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the vertical direction Z and the width direction X is defined as the "depth direction Y," the direction closer to the user standing in front of refrigerator 1 as viewed from the refrigerator 1 is defined as the "forward FR" in the depth direction Y, and the direction further away from the user is defined as the "rearward RR" in the depth direction Y.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line F2-F2 in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the rear of the refrigerator 1 according to this embodiment. The overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 will be described. Note that the refrigerator 1 does not need to have all of the components described below, and some components may be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 20, a flow path forming component 40, a cooling unit 50, and a control unit 100.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 10 includes, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a foam insulating material 10c.

[0013] The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10, and is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10, and is made of, for example, metal. The outer box 10b is formed to be slightly larger than the inner box 10a, and is disposed outside the inner box 10a.

[0014] The outer box 10b is a substantially rectangular parallelepiped that forms the outer surface excluding the front FR (front face) of the housing 10. However, a recess is formed in the rear RR of the end (lower end) of the lower LO of the outer box 10b to form a machine chamber MR, which will be described later.

[0015] The foam insulation material 10c is a heat insulating material made of a foam such as urethane foam, and is filled between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

[0016] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 10 has an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, a left side wall 13, a right side wall 14, and a rear wall 15.

[0017] The upper wall 11 and the lower wall 12 extend substantially horizontally. The left side wall 13 and the right side wall 14 rise upward from the left and right (left LT and right RT) ends of the lower wall 12 and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 11. As shown in Fig. 2, the rear wall 15 rises upward from the rear end (rear end) of the lower wall 12 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 11.

[0018] 1 and 2, a plurality of storage compartments 17 are formed inside housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 17 include, for example, refrigerator compartment 17A, chilled compartment 17B, vegetable compartment 17C, ice making compartment 17D, small freezer compartment 17E, and main freezer compartment 17F.

[0019] In this embodiment, among the multiple storage compartments 17, refrigerator compartment 17A is located at the uppermost position UP (top). Vegetable compartment 17C is located below refrigerator compartment 17A at LO. Ice making compartment 17D and small freezer compartment 17E are located below vegetable compartment 17C at LO. Main freezer compartment 17F is located below ice making compartment 17D and small freezer compartment 17E at LO. Small freezer compartment 17E is located to the right RT of ice making compartment 17D.

[0020] However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 17 is not limited to the above example. The housing 10 has an opening at the front FR of each storage compartment 17, which allows ingredients and the like to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 17.

[0021] Chilled compartment 17B is provided below LO, a part of refrigerator compartment 17A. Chilled compartment 17B is at least partially separated from refrigerator compartment 17A by, for example, a shelf or a wall. Chilled compartment 17B is located below LO below refrigerator compartment 17A, allowing cooler air to easily flow in, and is located closer to refrigeration cooler 61 (described below) than refrigerator compartment 17A, so it is cooled to a lower temperature than refrigerator compartment 17A.

[0022] Instead of chilled compartment 17B, refrigerator 1 may have a partial compartment cooled to a partial temperature range (approximately -4°C to -2°C) or a temperature switchable compartment whose temperature can be switched among a plurality of temperature ranges.

[0023] The housing 10 has a first partition wall 18 and a second partition wall 19. The first partition wall 18 and the second partition wall 19 are, for example, partition walls that extend in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0024] First partition wall 18 is located between refrigerator compartment 17A (chilled compartment 17B) and vegetable compartment 17C, and separates refrigerator compartment 17A (chilled compartment 17B) from vegetable compartment 17C.

[0025] Second partition wall 19 is located between vegetable compartment 17C and ice making compartment 17D and small freezer compartment 17E, separating vegetable compartment 17C from ice making compartment 17D and small freezer compartment 17E. Second partition wall 19 contains, for example, a foam insulation material and has thermal insulation properties. First partition wall 18 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin and has lower thermal insulation properties than second partition wall 19.

[0026] The interior temperature of vegetable compartment 17C is maintained at a higher temperature than that of refrigerator compartment 17A. The interior temperatures of ice-making compartment 17D, small freezer compartment 17E, and main freezer compartment 17F are maintained at temperatures at which stored items can be frozen.

[0027] The openings of the storage compartments 17 are openably and closably covered by a plurality of doors 20. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the doors 20 include, for example, a left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa, a right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab, a chilled compartment door 20B, a vegetable compartment door 20C, an ice maker door 20D, a small freezer compartment door 20E, and a main freezer compartment door 20F.

[0028] The left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab are attached so that the opening of the refrigerator compartment 17A can be opened and closed. As shown in Fig. 2, the chilled compartment door 20B is located further inside the refrigerator compartment 17A than the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab. The chilled compartment door 20B may be, for example, a type that is formed integrally with the chilled compartment container 36B (described below) and pulled out to the front FR together with the chilled compartment container 36B, or a type that opens and closes by rotating around a hinge provided adjacent to the chilled compartment 17B.

[0029] Vegetable compartment door 20C is attached so that the opening of vegetable compartment 17C can be opened and closed. Ice compartment door 20D is attached so that the opening of ice compartment 17D can be opened and closed. Small freezer compartment door 20E is attached so that the opening of small freezer compartment 17E can be opened and closed. Main freezer compartment door 20F is attached so that the opening of main freezer compartment 17F can be opened and closed.

[0030] The left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab are, for example, revolving doors that are supported rotatably around hinges (not shown) as the rotation center on the housing 10. Revolving doors that open to the left and right, such as the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab, are also called, for example, double doors or French doors.

[0031] The dimensions of the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa and the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab in the width direction X may be equal to or different from each other. In the example shown in Fig. 1, the dimensions of the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa in the width direction X are different from each other, and the dimension of the left refrigerator compartment door 20Aa is smaller than the dimension of the right refrigerator compartment door 20Ab.

[0032] Vegetable compartment door 20C, ice compartment door 20D, small freezer compartment door 20E and main freezer compartment door 20F are, for example, drawer-type doors.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, refrigerator compartment 17A is provided with a plurality of shelves 35. Furthermore, chilled compartment 17B, vegetable compartment 17C, ice making compartment 17D, small freezer compartment container 36E, and main freezer compartment 17F are provided with a plurality of containers 36.

[0034] The multiple containers 36 include chilled compartment container 36B provided in chilled compartment 17B, first vegetable container 36Ca and second vegetable container 36Cb provided in vegetable compartment 17C, an ice making compartment container (not shown) provided in ice making compartment 17D, small freezer container 36E provided in small freezer compartment 17E, and first main freezer container 36Fa and second main freezer container 36Fb provided in main freezer compartment 17F. Here, "container" also includes a member with a shallow bottom such as a tray.

[0035] The flow path forming part 40 is disposed inside the housing 10. The flow path forming part 40 includes a first duct part 41 and a second duct part 42.

[0036] The first duct part 41 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction Z. The first duct part 41 extends, for example, from the rear end RR of the lower end of the vegetable compartment 17C to the rear end RR of the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 17A.

[0037] A first duct space D1, which is a passage through which cool air flows, is formed between the first duct part 41 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct part 41 has a plurality of refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 41a, chilled compartment cool air outlets 41b, and cool air return ports 41c.

[0038] The plurality of refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 41a are provided above the chilled compartment 17B UP and are arranged at different heights from one another. The plurality of refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 41a open to the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cool air flowing through the first duct space D1 is blown out from the refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 41a into the refrigerator compartment 17A.

[0039] The chilled compartment cool air outlet 41b opens to the chilled compartment 17B. The cool air flowing through the first duct space D1 is blown out from the chilled compartment cool air outlet 41b into the chilled compartment 17B.

[0040] The cool air return port 41c opens into the vegetable compartment 17C. The cool air that has passed through the vegetable compartment 17C returns to the first duct space D1 through the cool air return port 41c.

[0041] The second duct part 42 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction Z. For example, the second duct part 42 extends from the rear RR of the main freezer compartment 17F to the rear RR of the upper ends of the ice making compartment 17D and the small freezer compartment 17E.

[0042] A second duct space D2, which is a passage through which cool air flows, is formed between the second duct part 42 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct part 42 has a cool air outlet 42a and a cool air return port 42b.

[0043] Cold air outlet 42a opens to ice making compartment 17D and small freezing compartment 17E. The cold air flowing through second duct space D2 is blown out from cold air outlet 42a into ice making compartment 17D and small freezing compartment 17E.

[0044] The cold air return port 42b opens into the main freezing compartment 17F. The cold air that has passed through the main freezing compartment 17F returns to the second duct space D2 through the cold air return port 42b.

[0045] Cooling section (cooling unit) 50 cools multiple storage compartments 17 (refrigerating compartment 17A, chilled compartment 17B, vegetable compartment 17C, ice making compartment 17D, small freezer compartment 17E, and main freezer compartment 17F). Cooling section 50 includes, for example, first cooling module 60, second cooling module 70, compressor 80, and cooling device 90 (see FIG. 6).

[0046] Here, "cooling" means a state in which a refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 80 to a cooler (a refrigerating cooler 61 or a freezing cooler 71 described later) corresponding to each storage chamber 17. However, "cooling" is not limited to the case in which a refrigerating fan 62 or a freezing fan 72 described later is driven.

[0047] For example, "cooling" also includes a case where the refrigerant is sent from the compressor 80 to the refrigeration cooler 61 while the refrigeration fan 62 is stopped, and the temperature of the refrigeration compartment 17B drops due to heat transfer between the refrigeration cooler 61 and the refrigeration compartment 17B.

[0048] The first cooling module 60 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler (cooler) 61 and a refrigeration fan 62.

[0049] The cold storage cooler 61 is disposed in the first duct space D1. The cold storage cooler 61 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by the compressor 80 and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1. The cold storage cooler 61 is disposed, for example, at a height corresponding to the chilled compartment 17B.

[0050] The refrigeration fan 62 is provided, for example, at the cold air return port 41c of the first duct part 41. When the refrigeration fan 62 is driven, air from the vegetable compartment 17C flows into the first duct space D1 through the cold air return port 41c.

[0051] The air that has flowed into the first duct space D1 flows upward UP within the first duct space D1 and is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 61. The cool air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 61 is blown out from multiple refrigeration compartment cool air outlets 41a into the refrigeration compartment 17A, and from chilled compartment cool air outlets 41b into the chilled compartment 17B.

[0052] The cold air blown out to refrigerator compartment 17A and chilled compartment 17B flows through refrigerator compartment 17A and chilled compartment 17B, respectively, and then returns to cold air return port 41c via, for example, vegetable compartment 17C.

[0053] As a result, the cold air flowing through refrigerator compartment 17A, chilled compartment 17B, and vegetable compartment 17C is circulated within refrigerator 1, and refrigerator compartment 17A, chilled compartment 17B, and vegetable compartment 17C are cooled.

[0054] The second cooling module 70 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler (cooler) 71 and a refrigeration fan 72.

[0055] The freezer cooler 71 is disposed in the second duct space D2. The freezer cooler 71 is supplied with the refrigerant compressed by the compressor 80 and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2.

[0056] The freezing fan 72 is provided, for example, at the cold air return port 42b of the second duct part 42. When the freezing fan 72 is driven, air from the main freezing compartment 17F flows into the second duct space D2 through the cold air return port 42b.

[0057] The air that flows into second duct space D2 flows upward UP within second duct space D2 and is cooled by freezing cooler 71. The cold air cooled by freezing cooler 71 flows from cold air outlet 42a into ice making compartment 17D, small freezing compartment 17E, and main freezing compartment 17F.

[0058] The cold air that flows into ice making compartment 17D and small freezing compartment 17E flows through ice making compartment 17D and small freezing compartment 17E, respectively, and then returns to cold air return port 42b via main freezing compartment 17F.

[0059] As a result, the cold air flowing through ice making compartment 17D, small freezing compartment 17E and main freezing compartment 17F is circulated within refrigerator 1, cooling ice making compartment 17D, small freezing compartment 17E and main freezing compartment 17F.

[0060] The compressor 80 compresses the refrigerant gas used to cool the storage chamber 17. The refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 80 is sent to the refrigeration cooler 61 and the freezing cooler 71 via a condenser 91 (described later) and other components.

[0061] 3, in this embodiment, the compressor 80 and the condenser 91 are provided in a machine room MR of the refrigerator 1. The machine room MR is provided, for example, in the rear RR at the bottom of the lower part LO of the refrigerator 1.

[0062] The left side LT and the right side RT of the machinery room MR are respectively covered by a left side wall 13 and a right side wall 14. The rear side RR of the machinery room MR is covered by a rear panel 15a that a rear wall 15 has.

[0063] The rear panel 15a forms the end of the lower part LO of the rear wall 15 and is removably attached to the rear wall 15. By removing the rear panel 15a, at least a portion of the rear part RR of the machinery room MR is opened, allowing maintenance of components (e.g., the compressor 80) housed in the machinery room MR to be performed.

[0064] Openings 30 that communicate between the outside and the inside of the machinery room MR are provided on the left side LT, the right side RT and the rear RR of the machinery room MR.

[0065] The opening 30 includes a first side opening 31, a second side opening 32, a first rear opening 33, and a second rear opening .

[0066] The first side opening 31 is an opening provided in the left side wall 13, which connects the interior of the machine room MR on the right side RT of the left side wall 13 with the space on the left side LT of the left side wall 13. The first side opening 31 is provided in the left side wall 13 in a detachable manner, for example.

[0067] The second side opening 32 is an opening provided in the right side wall 14, which connects the interior of the machinery chamber MR on the left side LT of the right side wall 14 with the space on the right side RT of the right side wall 14. The second side opening 32 is provided in a detachable manner on the right side wall 14, for example.

[0068] The first rear opening 33 and the second rear opening 34 are provided in the rear panel 15a and are openings that communicate between the interior of the machine room MR in the front FR of the rear panel 15a and the space in the rear RR of the rear panel 15a. The first rear opening 33 and the second rear opening 34 are provided, for example, detachably on the rear panel 15a.

[0069] The first rear opening 33 is provided at the left end LT of the rear panel 15a. The second rear opening 34 is provided at the right end RT of the rear panel 15a. The first rear opening 33 and the second rear opening 34 are spaced apart in the width direction X of the rear panel 15a.

[0070] In the following description, the first side opening 31 and the first rear opening 33 will also be simply referred to as "first openings." The second side opening 32 and the second rear opening 34 will also be simply referred to as "second openings."

[0071] 4 and 5 are diagrams that schematically show the machine room MR, and are views of the machine room MR viewed from above UP.

[0072] 3 to 5, the condenser 91 is housed in the machine room MR and provided near the first openings (the first side opening 31 and the first rear opening 33). The compressor 80 is housed in the machine room MR and provided near the second openings (the second side opening 32 and the second rear opening 34).

[0073] The machine room MR is provided with a blower 85. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the blower 85 is provided to the right of the condenser 91, RT.

[0074] In a plan view from the rear RR, at least a portion of the first rear opening 33 is disposed to overlap the condenser 91 and the blower 85.

[0075] In addition, in a plan view from the rear RR, at least a portion of the second rear opening 34 is disposed to overlap the compressor 80.

[0076] The blower 85 is, for example, an axial flow fan (propeller fan) having a rotary shaft (not shown) extending in the width direction X and a plurality of rotary blades (not shown) attached to the rotary shaft.

[0077] The blower 85 can rotate a rotary shaft and a rotary blade around a central axis of the rotary shaft extending in the width direction X, for example, and blow air from one side of the blower 85 to the other side.

[0078] The blower 85 can rotate its rotary shaft and rotor blades in a first rotation direction and a second rotation direction. For example, the first rotation direction is the direction in which the blower 85 mainly rotates. The second rotation direction is the opposite direction to the first rotation direction.

[0079] A first flow direction FD1 shown in FIG. 4 indicates the flow of air around the machine room MR when the blower 85 is rotating in the first rotation direction.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the fan 85 rotates in the first rotation direction, the fan 85 draws in air from the left side LT of the fan 85 and blows the air out to the right side RT of the fan 85.

[0081] As shown in Figure 4, air flowing in the first flow direction FD1 is drawn into the machine room MR through the first opening, flows inside the machine room MR from the left LT to the right RT, and is blown out to the outside of the machine room MR through the second opening.

[0082] That is, the air flowing in the first flow direction FD1 flows from the first opening toward the second opening inside the machine room MR.

[0083] When air flows in a first flow direction FD1, the first opening is located upstream of the air flow and the second opening is located downstream of the air flow inside the machine room MR.

[0084] A second flow direction FD2 shown in FIG. 5 indicates the flow of air around the machine room MR when the blower 85 is rotating in the second rotation direction.

[0085] In this embodiment, when the fan 85 rotates in the second rotation direction, the fan 85 draws in air from the right side RT of the fan 85 and blows the air out to the left side LT of the fan 85.

[0086] As shown in Figure 5, air flowing in the second flow direction FD2 is sucked into the machine room MR through the second opening, flows inside the machine room MR from the right RT to the left LT, and is blown out to the outside of the machine room MR through the first opening.

[0087] That is, the air flowing in the second flow direction FD2 flows from the second opening toward the first opening inside the machine room MR.

[0088] When air flows in the second flow direction FD2, the second opening is located upstream of the air flow and the first opening is located downstream of the air flow inside the machine room MR.

[0089] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cooling device (refrigeration cycle device) 90. As shown in FIG.

[0090] The cooling device 90 includes, in refrigerant flow order, a condenser 91, a dryer 92, a three-way valve 93, and capillary tubes 94 and 95.

[0091] A condenser 91 and a dryer 92 are connected in this order to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 80 via a connecting pipe 96. A three-way valve 93 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 92. The three-way valve 93 has one inlet connected to the dryer 92 and two outlets.

[0092] One of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93 is connected in turn to a refrigeration-side capillary tube 94 and a refrigeration cooler 61. The refrigeration cooler 61 is connected to the compressor 80 via a refrigeration-side suction pipe 97, which is a connecting pipe.

[0093] The other of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93 is connected in turn to a freezing-side capillary tube 95 and a freezing cooler 71. The freezing cooler 71 is connected to the compressor 80 via a freezing-side suction pipe 98, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 99 is provided between the freezing cooler 71 and the compressor 80 to prevent the refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 61 from flowing back toward the freezing cooler 71.

[0094] The refrigerant circulating through the cooling device 90 is compressed by the compressor 80 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows through the flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat in the condenser 91 to become a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then passes through the dryer 92 to remove impurities such as dirt and moisture, and enters the capillary tube 94 or the capillary tube 95 while being throttled by the three-way valve 93.

[0095] At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the capillary tube 94 or 95 is decompressed while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98. The decompressed refrigerant evaporates while passing through the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71, thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71.

[0096] The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98. The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98 is low, for example, around -10°C.

[0097] This refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the capillary tube 94 or 95 while passing through the refrigeration-side suction pipe 97 or the freezing-side suction pipe 98, and is eventually heated to approximately room temperature. Then, this refrigerant gas is sucked back into the compressor 80, completing the circulation of the refrigerant.

[0098] In the cooling device 90, the three-way valve 93 is controlled by the control unit 100, which will be described later, to select, for example, one of the flow path B and the flow path C.

[0099] Flow path B is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the cold storage cooler 61. Flow path C is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 71. These two flow paths B and C join at a joining point D. As shown in FIG. 6 , the refrigerant flows from the joining point D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 80.

[0100] In this way, the control unit 100 controls the three-way valve 93 to alternately switch the refrigerant flow path between flow path B and flow path C.

[0101] The refrigerator 1 cools the storage compartments 17 (refrigerating compartment 17A, chilled compartment 17B, vegetable compartment 17C) in the refrigeration temperature range by flowing the refrigerant through the flow path B, and performs refrigeration operation.

[0102] Refrigerator 1 performs freezing operation by cooling storage compartments 17 (ice-making compartment 17D, small freezing compartment 17E, and main freezing compartment 17F) in the freezing temperature range by flowing refrigerant through flow path C. For example, refrigeration operation and freezing operation are performed alternately.

[0103] In the following description, a state in which a refrigerant is supplied to the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71 is referred to as a "refrigerant supply state." Also, a state in which a refrigerant is not supplied to the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71 is referred to as a "refrigerant stop state."

[0104] The refrigerant stop state also includes a state in which a portion of the refrigerant supplied to the cold storage cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71 in the refrigerant supply state remains in the cold storage cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71.

[0105] The control unit (control board) 100 is provided on the upper surface (top surface) of the upper wall 11. A recessed portion recessed downward LO is formed in the rear RR of the top surface of the upper wall 11. The control unit 100 is provided in this recessed portion.

[0106] The control unit 100 is a control device that can control a part or the whole of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100 is made up of a computer including a microcomputer and a timer that measures time.

[0107] The control unit 100 may be a software function unit realized by executing a computer program by one or more hardware processors such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), or may be realized by hardware (e.g., a circuit unit) such as an LSI (Large Scale Integration), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a PLD (Programmable Logic Device). All or part of the control unit 100 may be realized by a combination of a software function unit and hardware.

[0108] The control unit 100 controls, for example, the refrigeration fan 62, the freezing fan 72, the blower 85, the compressor 80, and the three-way valve 93, which are connected to the control unit 100 by wire or wirelessly.

[0109] The control unit 100 controls the compressor 80 to send the refrigerant to the flow path A. The control unit 100 also controls the three-way valve 93 to switch the flow path through which the refrigerant flows.

[0110] As described above, in this embodiment, the refrigerant circulating through the cooling device 90 is compressed by the compressor 80 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows through the flow path A and has its heat dissipated by the condenser 91. The compressor 80 and the condenser 91 are housed in the machine room MR.

[0111] The control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send air into the machine room MR to cool the compressor 80 and the condenser 91, thereby maintaining the cooling performance of the cooling device 90.

[0112] In this embodiment, when air is sent into the machine room MR to cool the compressor 80 and the condenser 91, the control unit 100 sends the air mainly in the first flow direction FD1. That is, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to rotate in the first rotation direction.

[0113] In the cooling section 50, when a refrigerant is supplied to the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71, the compressor 80 is driven to compress the refrigerant, and the refrigerant dissipates heat by the condenser 91.

[0114] Therefore, by cooling the compressor 80 and the condenser 91 when the cooling unit 50 is in a refrigerant supply state, it is possible to efficiently prevent a decrease in cooling performance and maintain sufficient cooling performance.

[0115] When the cooling unit 50 is in a refrigerant supply state, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send the air inside the machine room MR in the first flow direction FD1, thereby preventing a decrease in cooling performance.

[0116] Furthermore, the control unit 100 switches the rotation direction of the blower 85 based on the supply state of the refrigerant in the cooling unit 50, and switches the flow direction of the air in the machine room MR.

[0117] When the refrigerant supply is stopped and no refrigerant is supplied to the refrigeration cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send air inside the machine room MR in the second flow direction FD2.

[0118] In this embodiment, when the refrigerator 1 performs a refrigeration operation or a freezing operation, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send air in the first flow direction FD1.

[0119] When air flows in the first flow direction FD1, dust may adhere to the first openings (first side opening 31 and first rear opening 33) located upstream in the air flow due to the air flowing from the outside to the inside of the machine room MR.

[0120] If the opening of the first opening is partially or completely blocked by dust, the amount of air flowing into the machine room MR from the outside may decrease, and the compressor 80 and condenser 91 may not be cooled sufficiently.

[0121] For example, if the condenser 91 cannot be sufficiently cooled, the refrigerant may not be sufficiently radiated by the condenser 91, which may result in a decrease in the cooling performance of the cooling unit 50. If the cooling performance of the cooling unit 50 decreases, there is a possibility that the plurality of storage chambers 17 may not be sufficiently cooled.

[0122] When the cooling unit 50 is in a refrigerant stopped state, the control unit 100 blows away dust adhering to the first opening by sending air inside the machine room MR in the second flow direction FD2.

[0123] The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment prevents the first opening from being blocked by dust by blowing away dust adhering to the first opening with air, thereby preventing a decrease in the cooling performance of the compressor 80 and condenser 91 in the machine room MR.

[0124] This makes it possible to prevent the cooling performance of the cooling unit 50 from decreasing, and to maintain sufficient cooling performance for the plurality of storage chambers 17.

[0125] When cooling unit 50 is in the refrigerant stopped state, for example, compressor 80 stops driving and heat is not released from condenser 91. Therefore, there is little need to cool compressor 80 and condenser 91, and stopping the air blowing by blower 85 does not have much effect on the cooling performance of refrigerator 1.

[0126] At this time, the control unit 100 sends the air in the second flow direction FD2, and blows away dust adhering to the first opening with the air.

[0127] The control unit 100 switches the direction of air flow in the machine room MR based on the supply state of refrigerant in the cooling unit 50, and reverse-drives the blower 85 at a timing that has little impact on the cooling performance of the refrigerator 1, thereby efficiently suppressing a decline in the cooling performance of the refrigerator 1.

[0128] Here, reverse driving of blower 85 refers to switching the rotation direction of blower 85 from a first rotation direction to a second rotation direction, or from the second rotation direction to the first rotation direction. In other words, reverse driving of blower 85 refers to switching the air flow direction in the machine room MR from the first flow direction FD1 to the second flow direction FD2, or from the second flow direction FD2 to the first flow direction FD1.

[0129] When collecting refrigerant from the refrigerating cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71, the control unit 100 may determine that the cooling device 90 is in the refrigerant stop state.

[0130] For example, when transitioning from freezing operation in which a refrigerant flows through the freezing cooler 71 to refrigeration operation in which a refrigerant flows through the refrigeration cooler 61, the control unit 100 performs a pump-down operation to recover the refrigerant from the freezing cooler 71. In the pump-down operation, the control unit 100 controls the three-way valve 93 to switch the refrigerant flow path from flow path C to flow path B, and recovers the refrigerant from the freezing cooler 71.

[0131] At this time, the control unit 100 determines that the cooling device 90 is in a refrigerant stop state, and drives the blower 85 in reverse.

[0132] Furthermore, when a defrosting operation for defrosting the refrigerating cooler 61 or the freezing cooler 71 is performed, the control unit 100 may determine that the cooling device 90 is in the refrigerant stopped state.

[0133] For example, when defrosting the freezing cooler 71, the control unit 100 stops the supply of refrigerant to the freezing cooler 71 and activates a heater provided near the freezing cooler 71.

[0134] At this time, the control unit 100 determines that the cooling device 90 is in a refrigerant stop state, and drives the blower 85 in reverse.

[0135] Furthermore, the control unit 100 may determine that the cooling device 90 is in the refrigerant stop state when the compressor 80 is stopped from driving.

[0136] For example, when the plurality of storage chambers 17 are sufficiently cooled, the control unit 100 stops the operation of the compressor 80 and stops the supply of refrigerant from the compressor 80 to the flow path A.

[0137] At this time, the control unit 100 determines that the cooling device 90 is in a refrigerant stop state, and drives the blower 85 in reverse.

[0138] By driving the blower 85 in reverse when the cooling unit 50 is in a refrigerant stopped state, the refrigerator 1 can blow away dust adhering to the first opening with air, thereby preventing a decrease in the cooling performance of the refrigerator 1.

[0139] Furthermore, when refrigerator 1 is in a refrigerant supply state, air in machine room MR flows in first flow direction FD1 by blower 85. Dust adhering to the second opening is blown away by the air flowing in the first flow direction FD1 in the refrigerant supply state.

[0140] The opening 30 is preferably formed from a charge suppressing resin. 8 Ω m or more 10 10 It is a resin material with a resistance of Ω·m or less. Examples of anti-static resins include acrylic resins and epoxy resins.

[0141] By forming the opening 30 from anti-static resin, it is possible to prevent dust from adhering to the opening 30 due to static electricity, prevent the opening 30 from being blocked by dust, and prevent a decrease in the cooling performance for the compressor 80 and condenser 91 in the machine room MR.

[0142] In particular, it is preferable that the opening 30 provided on the upstream side of the air flow in the machine chamber MR is made of anti-static resin.

[0143] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 sends air mainly in the first flow direction FD1 by controlling the blower 85. When the air flows in the first flow direction FD1, inside the machine room MR, the first opening is located upstream of the air flow and the second opening is located downstream of the air flow.

[0144] In this case, dust is likely to adhere to the first opening through which air is drawn in from outside the machine chamber MR. Therefore, by forming the first opening located upstream from charge-suppressing resin, deterioration of cooling performance can be efficiently prevented. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the first opening is formed from charge-suppressing resin. For example, the first side opening 31 may be formed from charge-suppressing resin, and the first rear opening 33 may be formed from a material other than charge-suppressing resin.

[0145] The second opening located on the downstream side has less dust adhesion than the first opening located on the upstream side, so it may be formed from a material (e.g., a resin material) different from the charge-suppressing resin.

[0146] For example, when opening 30 is formed from anti-static resin, the manufacturing cost may increase compared to when opening 30 is formed from a material used for openings in conventional refrigerators.

[0147] In this case, among the multiple openings 30, only the openings 30 located on the upstream side (e.g., the first opening) are formed from charge-suppressing resin, and the openings 30 located on the downstream side (e.g., the second opening) are formed from a material different from the charge-suppressing resin, thereby preventing increases in costs.

[0148] In this embodiment, as described above, opening 30 is detachably provided in left side wall 13, right side wall 14, and rear panel 15a. By providing opening 30 detachably, opening 30 can be removed from left side wall 13, right side wall 14, or rear panel 15a and washed, and dust adhering to opening 30 can be easily removed.

[0149] In particular, it is preferable that the opening 30 provided on the upstream side of the air flow in the machine room MR is provided detachably.

[0150] In this embodiment, it is preferable that the first side opening 31 located on the upstream side is detachably provided on the left side wall 13, and the first rear opening 33 located on the upstream side is detachably provided on the rear panel 15a.

[0151] In this embodiment, the refrigerator 1 comprises a housing 10 including a storage compartment 17, a cooling unit 50 having coolers 61, 71 that cool the storage compartment 17, and a compressor 80 that supplies refrigerant to the coolers 61, 71, a machine room MR in which at least a portion of the cooling unit 50 is housed, first openings 31, 33 and second openings 32, 34 that communicate with the outside and inside of the machine room MR and are spaced apart from each other, a blower 85 that can blow air inside the machine room MR in a first flow direction FD1 from the first openings 31, 33 toward the second openings 32, 34, or a second flow direction FD2 from the second openings 32, 34 toward the first openings 31, 33, and a control unit 100 that controls the cooling unit 50 and the blower 85.

[0152] When in a refrigerant supply state in which refrigerant is supplied to the coolers 61 and 71, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send the air inside the machine room MR in a first flow direction FD1, and when in a refrigerant stop state in which refrigerant is not supplied to the coolers 61 and 71, the control unit 100 controls the blower 85 to send the air inside the machine room MR in a second flow direction FD2.

[0153] According to this configuration, blower 85 is driven in reverse at a timing when the cooling performance of refrigerator 1 is least affected, and dust adhering to opening 30 is blown away by air, thereby preventing a decrease in the cooling performance of cooling unit 50.

[0154] As a result, it is possible to provide a refrigerator 1 and a method for controlling the refrigerator 1 that suppress a decrease in cooling performance.

[0155] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, the cooling device 90 cools the storage compartment 17 using the refrigeration cooler 61 and the freezing cooler 71, but the cooling device is not limited to this. The cooling device may be configured to be able to cool the storage compartment using a single cooler.

[0156] (Variation 2) In the above embodiment, the first opening has a first side opening 31 and a first rear opening 33, and the second opening has a second side opening 32 and a second rear opening 34, but the configuration of the first opening and the second opening is not limited to this. The number of openings each of the first opening and the second opening may be one, or three or more. Furthermore, the number of openings each of the first opening and the second opening may differ from each other.

[0157] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 1...refrigerator, 10...casing, 17...storage compartment, 30...opening, 31...first side opening (first opening), 32...second side opening (second opening), 33...first rear opening (first opening), 34...second rear opening (second opening), 50...cooling section, 61...refrigerating cooler (cooler), 71...freezing cooler (cooler), 80...compressor, 85...blower, MR...machine room, 100...control section, FD1...first flow direction, FD2...second flow direction

Claims

1. a housing containing a storage chamber; a cooling unit including a cooler that cools the storage chamber and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the cooler; a machine room in which at least a portion of the cooling unit is accommodated; a first opening and a second opening that communicate with the outside and the inside of the machine room and are spaced apart from each other; a blower capable of blowing air in a first flow direction from the first opening toward the second opening or a second flow direction from the second opening toward the first opening inside the machine room; a control unit that controls the cooling unit and the blower; Equipped with The control unit In a refrigerant supply state in which the refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, the air inside the machine room is sent in the first flow direction by controlling the blower; In a refrigerant stop state in which the refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler, the air inside the machine room is sent in the second flow direction by controlling the blower. refrigerator.

2. The control unit determines that the refrigerant supply is stopped when the refrigerant is collected from the cooler. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The control unit determines that the refrigerant is in a stopped state when the cooler is being defrosted. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

4. The control unit determines that the refrigerant supply is stopped when the compressor is stopped. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

5. At least a portion of the first opening arranged upstream in the first flow direction has an electrical resistance of 10 ８ Ω・m or more 10 １０ Formed by charge suppression resin of Ω·m or less, The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the second opening, which is disposed downstream in the first flow direction, is formed of a resin different from the charge-suppressing resin; The refrigerator according to claim 5.

7. A control method for a refrigerator including: a cooling unit having a cooler that cools a storage compartment and a compressor that supplies a refrigerant to the cooler; a machine compartment in which at least a part of the cooling unit is accommodated; a first opening and a second opening that communicate between an outside and an inside of the machine compartment and are provided apart from each other; and a blower that can blow air in a first flow direction from the first opening to the second opening or a second flow direction from the second opening to the first opening, within the machine compartment, In a refrigerant supply state in which the refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, the air inside the machine chamber is sent in the first flow direction; When the refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler, the air inside the machine room is sent in the second flow direction. How to control your refrigerator.

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