refrigerator

Abstract

This embodiment relates to a refrigerator equipped with a light source in the storage compartment, and provides a technical solution that makes it possible to equip the refrigerator with a light source while avoiding a reduction in the volume of the storage compartment and narrowing of the airflow path. [Solution] The refrigerator according to this embodiment includes: an airflow channel forming member provided in the storage chamber and forming an airflow channel through which cold air flows; a light source provided on the storage chamber side surface of the airflow channel forming member in a region facing the airflow channel; and a covering member attached to the storage chamber side surface of the airflow channel forming member in a region facing the airflow channel, which covers the light source from the storage chamber side.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] For example, the refrigerator disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cold air chamber cover that forms an air passage through which cold air flows, and an illumination device is provided on the front surface of the cold air chamber cover.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a conventional refrigerator, the illumination device is provided so as to protrude forward, that is, inside the refrigerator compartment, from the front surface of the cold air chamber cover, and the volume inside the refrigerator compartment decreases with the provision of the illumination device. Here, if the illumination device is provided so as to protrude to the rear side, that is, the air passage side inside the cold air chamber cover, it is possible to provide the illumination device while avoiding a decrease in the volume inside the refrigerator compartment. However, according to the configuration in which the illumination device is provided so as to protrude to the air passage side inside the cold air chamber cover, the air passage becomes narrow due to the illumination device, and the smooth flow of cold air in the air passage is hindered.

[0005] Therefore, the present embodiment provides a technical solution that enables a refrigerator having a light source in a storage compartment to be provided with the light source while avoiding a decrease in the volume of the storage compartment and a narrowing of the air passage.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The refrigerator according to this embodiment includes: an airflow channel forming member provided in the storage chamber and forming an airflow channel through which cold air flows; a light source provided on the storage chamber side surface of the airflow channel forming member in a region facing the airflow channel; and a covering member attached to the storage chamber side surface of the airflow channel forming member in a region facing the airflow channel, which covers the light source from the storage chamber side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Front view schematically showing an example of the refrigerator configuration according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] Front view schematically showing an example of the internal configuration of the refrigerator according to this embodiment. [Figure 3] Rear view schematically showing an example of the rear configuration of the cold air duct according to this embodiment. [Figure 4] Rear view schematicly showing an example of the configuration of the main part of the cold air circulation passage according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Front view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 6] A schematic perspective view (1) showing an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 7] A schematic perspective view (part 2) showing an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 8] A schematic perspective view (part 3) showing an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 9] A schematic perspective view (part 4) showing an example of the configuration of the opening and closing mechanism according to this embodiment. [Figure 10] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view (part 1) showing an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism and surrounding parts according to this embodiment. [Figure 11] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view (part 2) showing an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism and surrounding parts according to this embodiment. [Figure 12] A schematic perspective view showing an example of the rear configuration of the cold air duct according to this embodiment. [Figure 13] A schematic longitudinal cross-sectional side view showing an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism and the surrounding portion of the heat insulation section according to this embodiment. [Figure 14] Rear view schematically showing a configuration example of a peripheral portion of an opening / closing mechanism unit and a heat insulation unit according to the present embodiment [Figure 15] Diagram for explaining an arrangement position of a drive motor and an inclination angle of a heat insulation unit according to the present embodiment [Figure 16] Perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a front side of a cold air duct according to the present embodiment [Figure 17] Perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a light source and a peripheral portion according to the present embodiment [Figure 18] Perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a tilted illumination unit according to the present embodiment [Figure 19] Perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a front side of an illumination cover according to the present embodiment [Figure 20] Perspective view schematically showing a configuration example of a rear side of an illumination cover according to the present embodiment [Figure 21] Vertical sectional side view schematically showing a configuration example of a tilted illumination unit and a peripheral portion according to the present embodiment [Figure 22] Side view for explaining an example of an illumination range by a light source according to the present embodiment [Figure 23] Plan view for explaining an example of an illumination range by a light source according to the present embodiment [Figure 24] Diagram schematically showing a configuration example of an opening / closing mechanism unit according to a modified example of the present embodiment and an arrangement example in an air duct

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, an embodiment related to a refrigerator will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, each direction such as the vertical direction, the horizontal direction, and the front-rear direction is defined based on the front view of the refrigerator 10 illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0009] As shown in Fig. 1, the refrigerator 10 forms a plurality of storage chambers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 inside a rectangular box-shaped heat insulation box body 11 that constitutes its outer shell. Inside the storage chambers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, various stored items such as food can be accommodated and cooled for storage. Although detailed illustration is omitted, the heat insulation box body 11 has a configuration with a heat insulating material provided between an inner box and an outer box. As the heat insulating material that constitutes the heat insulation box body 11, various heat insulating materials such as, for example, a vacuum heat insulation panel, foamed urethane, and a heat insulation molded body formed from a heat insulating material can be applied.

[0010] In this case, the storage chamber 12 is a refrigerating chamber maintained in the refrigerating temperature range. Hereinafter, the storage chamber 12 may be referred to as the "refrigerating chamber 12". In this case, the storage chamber 13 is a vegetable chamber maintained in the refrigerating temperature range. Hereinafter, the storage chamber 13 may be referred to as the "vegetable chamber 13". In this case, the storage chamber 14 is an ice-making chamber maintained in the freezing temperature range. Hereinafter, the storage chamber 14 may be referred to as the "ice-making chamber 14". In this case, the storage chamber 15 is a small freezing chamber maintained in the freezing temperature range. Hereinafter, the storage chamber 15 may be referred to as the "small freezing chamber 15". In this case, the storage chamber 16 is a large freezing chamber maintained in the freezing temperature range. Hereinafter, the storage chamber 16 may be referred to as the "large freezing chamber 16".

[0011] The refrigerating chamber 12 is the storage chamber provided at the uppermost part among the plurality of storage chambers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 provided in the refrigerator 10. The vegetable chamber 13 is provided below the refrigerating chamber 12 and is located at or near the central part in the vertical direction of the heat insulation box body 11. The ice-making chamber 14 and the small freezing chamber 15 are provided below the vegetable chamber 13 and are arranged side by side along the left-right direction of the refrigerator 10 inside the heat insulation box body 11. The large freezing chamber 16 is provided below the ice-making chamber 14 and the small freezing chamber 15 inside the heat insulation box body 11. The large freezing chamber 16 is the storage chamber provided at the lowermost part among the plurality of storage chambers 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 provided in the refrigerator 10.

[0012] The refrigerator compartment 12 has a rectangular opening 12a at its front. The front opening 12a of the refrigerator compartment 12 is opened and closed by two storage compartment doors that can rotate left and right, so-called double-hinged refrigerator compartment doors 12D[R] and 12D[L]. That is, the front opening 12a of the refrigerator compartment 12 is opened and closed by at least two storage compartment doors, in this case the right refrigerator compartment door 12D[R] and the left refrigerator compartment door 12D[L]. Note that the refrigerator compartment doors may also be a single storage compartment door that opens and closes the front opening 12a of the refrigerator compartment 12.

[0013] The vegetable compartment 13 has a rectangular opening 13a at its front. The front opening 13a of the vegetable compartment 13 is opened and closed by a storage door that is movable in the front-to-back direction, a so-called pull-out type vegetable compartment door 13D. The ice-making compartment 14 has a rectangular opening 14a at its front. The front opening 14a of the ice-making compartment 14 is opened and closed by a storage door that is movable in the front-to-back direction, a so-called pull-out type ice-making compartment door 14D. The small freezer compartment 15 has a rectangular opening 15a at its front. The front opening 15a of the small freezer compartment 15 is opened and closed by a storage door that is movable in the front-to-back direction, a so-called pull-out type small freezer compartment door 15D. The large freezer compartment 16 has an opening 16a at its front. The front opening 16a of the large freezer compartment 16 is opened and closed by a storage door that is movable in the front-to-back direction, a so-called pull-out type large freezer compartment door 16D.

[0014] Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment 12 is divided into a normal cooling compartment 21 and a chilled cooling compartment 22 by an upper horizontal partition plate 20. The upper horizontal partition plate 20 is formed in the shape of a thin rectangular plate extending in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The chilled cooling compartment 22 is an example of a special compartment, and in this case, it is formed in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 12. The position and size of the chilled cooling compartment 22 within the refrigerator compartment 12 can be changed as appropriate.

[0015] As illustrated in Figure 2, the chilled cooling chamber 22 is divided into multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower horizontal partition plate 23, a right vertical partition plate 24, and a left vertical partition plate 25. The lower horizontal partition plate 23 is formed in the shape of a thin rectangular plate extending in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions. The right vertical partition plate 24 and the left vertical partition plate 25 are both formed in the shape of rectangular walls extending in the front-to-back and up-to-down directions. Hereinafter, cooling chamber 31 may be referred to as the "upper chilled cooling chamber 31," cooling chamber 32 as the "lower right chilled cooling chamber 32," cooling chamber 33 as the "lower left chilled cooling chamber 33," and cooling chamber 34 as the "ice-making tank cooling chamber 34."

[0016] The upper chilled cooling chamber 31 is a long cooling chamber that extends across the entire left-right direction of the chilled cooling chamber 22. The lower right chilled cooling chamber 32 is formed below the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, in the area to the right of the center in the left-right direction of the chilled cooling chamber 22. The left-right dimension of the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32 is shorter than the left-right dimension of the upper chilled cooling chamber 31. The lower left chilled cooling chamber 33 is formed below the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, in the area to the left of the center in the left-right direction of the chilled cooling chamber 22. The left-right dimension of the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33 is shorter than the left-right dimension of the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, and also shorter than the left-right dimension of the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32. The ice-making tank cooling chamber 34 is formed below the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, in the area to the left of the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33. The left-right dimension of the ice-making tank cooling chamber 34 is shorter than the left-right dimension of any of the other cooling chambers: the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32, and the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0017] In the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32, and the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33, storage containers (not shown) capable of accommodating various stored items, such as food products, are provided to be removable in the front-to-back direction. In addition, an ice-making tank (not shown) capable of storing water for ice making is provided in the ice-making tank cooling chamber 34 to be removable in the front-to-back direction.

[0018] Furthermore, a cold air duct 100 is provided at the rear of the refrigerator compartment 12. The cold air duct 100 comprises a duct body 101 and a cold air generation unit 102. Inside the cold air generation unit 102 are a cooler 103 and a cooling fan 104, as illustrated in Figure 3. The cooler 103 is an example of a cooling unit and, together with a compressor, heater, and throttler (not shown) provided in the refrigerator 10, constitutes a refrigeration cycle. The cooler 103 can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range by the circulation of refrigerant by the compressor in the refrigeration cycle, thereby generating cold air at the refrigeration temperature range. The cold air at the refrigeration temperature range generated by the cooler 103 is introduced into the duct body 101 of the cold air duct 100 by the blowing action of the cooling fan 104 and supplied from the duct body 101 into the refrigerator compartment 12. As a result, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 is cooled to the target cooling temperature of the refrigeration temperature range.

[0019] Here, the cold air generated by the cooler 103 at freezing temperature rises in temperature as it passes through the duct body 101 of the cold air duct 100 and reaches the refrigerator compartment 12. Therefore, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range, not the freezing temperature range. Thus, in the refrigerator 10, the cooler 103 can cool to the freezing temperature range, while the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range.

[0020] Furthermore, the cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 12 is also supplied to the vegetable compartment 13 through a communication hole (not shown) that connects the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13. As a result, the inside of the vegetable compartment 13 is also cooled to the target cooling temperature of the refrigeration temperature range. The cold air supplied to the vegetable compartment 13 is returned to the cold air generation unit 102 by the airflow action of the cooling fan 104 and cooled again by the cooler 103. By repeating this circulation of cold air, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13 are cooled and maintained at the target cooling temperature of the refrigeration temperature range.

[0021] As described above, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a refrigeration cooling system that cools the refrigerator compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 13, which are storage compartments in the refrigeration temperature range, to the target cooling temperature of the refrigeration temperature range. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the refrigerator 10 is also equipped with a refrigeration cooling system that cools the ice-making compartment 14, the small freezer compartment 15, and the large freezer compartment 16, which are storage compartments in the freezer temperature range, to the target cooling temperature of the freezer temperature range. This refrigeration cooling system also consists of a refrigeration cycle including a cooler and a cooling fan. The refrigerator 10 may also be configured to cool both the storage compartments in the refrigeration temperature range and the storage compartments in the freezer temperature range with a common cooling system.

[0022] As illustrated in Figure 3, the duct body 101 has an upper duct forming section 110 that forms the rear part of the normal cooling chamber 21, and a lower duct forming section 120 that forms the rear part of the chilled cooling chamber 22. The upper duct forming section 110 has a cold air outlet (not shown) that blows cold air into the normal cooling chamber 21. On the other hand, the lower duct forming section 120 has an upper cold air outlet 121 that blows cold air into the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, a lower right cold air outlet 122 that blows cold air into the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32, and a lower left cold air outlet 123 that blows cold air into the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0023] In this case, the left-right dimension of the upper cold air outlet 121 is longer than the left-right dimension of the lower right cold air outlet 122, and also longer than the left-right dimension of the lower left cold air outlet 123. Furthermore, the left-right dimension of the lower right cold air outlet 122 is longer than the left-right dimension of the lower left cold air outlet 123. In addition, the lower right cold air outlet 122 is located below the right end of the upper cold air outlet 121, and the lower left cold air outlet 123 is located below the left end of the upper cold air outlet 121.

[0024] As illustrated in Figure 2, the lower horizontal partition plate 23 described above is located between the upper cold air outlet 121 and the lower right cold air outlet 122, and between the upper cold air outlet 121 and the lower left cold air outlet 123, when the chilled cooling chamber 22 is viewed from the front. The right vertical partition plate 24 described above is located between the lower right cold air outlet 122 and the lower left cold air outlet 123, when the chilled cooling chamber 22 is viewed from the front. The left vertical partition plate 25 described above is located to the left of the lower left cold air outlet 123, when the chilled cooling chamber 22 is viewed from the front.

[0025] Thus, the chilled cooling chamber 22 is divided into multiple cooling chambers 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower horizontal partition plate 23, a right vertical partition plate 24, and a left vertical partition plate 25, which are located between multiple air outlets 121, 122, and 123. The lower horizontal partition plate 23, the right vertical partition plate 24, and the left vertical partition plate 25 can all be defined as examples of partition members.

[0026] Next, an example of the configuration of the outside of the cold air duct 100, in this case the rear side, will be described. The cold air duct 100 can be defined as an example of an air passage forming member. As illustrated in Figure 3, a cold air circulation air passage 131 is provided on the rear side of the cold air duct 100. The cold air duct 100 forms the cold air circulation air passage 131 within the refrigerator compartment 12. The cold air at the freezing temperature range generated by the cooler 103 is introduced into the cold air circulation air passage 131 and flows through it due to the blowing action of the cooling fan 104. The cold air circulation air passage 131 can be defined as an example of an air passage capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooler 103 into the refrigerator compartment 12, including the normal cooling compartment 21 and the chilled cooling compartment 22.

[0027] The cold air circulation passage 131 can supply cold air into the normal cooling chamber 21 via the upper duct forming section 110. Furthermore, the cold air circulation passage 131 can supply cold air into the chilled cooling chamber 22 via the lower duct forming section 120. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 4, the cold air circulation passage 131 includes openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. These openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133 are separated by a rectangular partition wall 134 with an open bottom. Hereinafter, the openable and closable air passage section 132 located on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10 may be referred to as the "right-side openable and closable air passage section 132," and the openable and closable air passage section 133 located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10 may be referred to as the "left-side openable and closable air passage section 133."

[0028] The openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are each configured to be openable and closable by an opening and closing mechanism 141. The opening and closing mechanism 141 is positioned to close the lower opening of the partition wall 134. The right openable and closable air passage 132 is connected downstream to the right lower chilled cooling chamber 32 via the right lower cold air outlet 122, thereby creating an air passage structure that can supply cold air to the right lower chilled cooling chamber 32. The left openable and closable air passage 133 is connected downstream to the left lower chilled cooling chamber 33 via the left lower cold air outlet 123, thereby creating an air passage structure that can supply cold air to the left lower chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0029] The lower right cold air outlet 122 can be defined as an example of an outlet that blows cold air from the right-side openable air passage 132 into the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32. Similarly, the lower left cold air outlet 123 can be defined as an example of an outlet that blows cold air from the left-side openable air passage 133 into the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0030] Next, an example of the configuration of the opening / closing mechanism 141 will be described in detail. The opening / closing mechanism 141 is an example of an opening / closing section. As illustrated in Figures 5 to 9, the opening / closing mechanism 141 includes a right-side openable section 142 and a left-side openable section 143. The opening / closing mechanism 141 also includes a rectangular drive unit 144 between the right-side openable section 142 and the left-side openable section 143. The right-side openable section 142 is located to the right of the drive unit 144 when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10, and the left-side openable section 143 is located to the left of the drive unit 144 when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10. The right-side openable section 142 extends rectangularly from the bottom of the drive unit 144 toward the right, and the left-side openable section 143 extends rectangularly from the bottom of the drive unit 144 toward the left. The lower end of the drive unit 144 protrudes below the lower surface of the right-side openable section 142 and the lower surface of the left-side openable section 143.

[0031] The right-side openable section 142 has a rectangular right-side opening 142a. The right-side openable section 142 also includes a rectangular plate-shaped right-side openable member 142b that can open and close the right-side opening 142a. The right-side openable member 142b is configured to rotate vertically between a closed position with the right-side opening 142a closed and an open position with the right-side opening 142a open. In this case, the axis of rotation of the right-side openable member 142b is along the rear edge of the right-side opening 142a.

[0032] The left-side openable section 143 has a rectangular left-side opening 143a. The left-side openable section 143 also includes a rectangular plate-shaped left-side openable member 143b that can open and close the left-side opening 143a. The left-side openable member 143b is configured to rotate vertically between a closed position with the left-side opening 143a closed and an open position with the left-side opening 143a open. In this case, the axis of rotation of the left-side openable member 143b is along the rear edge of the left-side opening 143a.

[0033] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 141 includes a drive motor 145 within the drive unit 144. In this case, the drive motor 145 is housed in the lower rear part of the drive unit 144. In addition to the drive motor 145, the drive unit 144 also contains components, such as drive gears, that transmit the driving force generated by the drive motor 145 to the openable / closable members 142b and 143b. The drive motor 145 can drive the right-side openable / closable member 142b in the closing direction to close the right-side opening 142a and in the opening direction to open the right-side opening 142a. The drive motor 145 can also drive the left-side openable / closable member 143b in the closing direction to close the left-side opening 143a and in the opening direction to open the left-side opening 143a.

[0034] The opening / closing mechanism 141 is configured to drive multiple, in this case two, openable / closable members 142b and 143b using a single common drive motor 145. The opening / closing mechanism 141 configured in this way can be referred to, for example, as a "double damper device".

[0035] The drive motor 145 can be switched to drive patterns that close both the right opening 142a and the left opening 143a, as illustrated in Figure 6; open the right opening 142a while the left opening 143a is closed, as illustrated in Figure 7; open the left opening 143a while the right opening 142a is closed, as illustrated in Figure 8; and open both the right opening 142a and the left opening 143a, as illustrated in Figure 9. The switching of the drive patterns of the drive motor 145 can be controlled by a control device (not shown) that controls the overall operation of the refrigerator 10.

[0036] The opening / closing mechanism 141 can adjust the opening degree of the right-side opening 142a connected to the right-side lower chilled cooling chamber 32 by adjusting the opening degree of the right-side opening 142a using the right-side opening / closing member 142b. The right-side opening / closing member 142b can be defined as an example of an opening degree adjustment unit that can adjust the opening degree of the right-side opening / closing air passage 132.

[0037] Furthermore, the opening / closing mechanism 141 can adjust the opening degree of the left-side opening / closing air passage 133 connected to the left lower chilled cooling chamber 33 by adjusting the opening degree of the left-side opening / closing member 143b. The left-side opening / closing member 143b can be defined as an example of an opening degree adjustment unit that can adjust the opening degree of the left-side opening / closing air passage 133.

[0038] Furthermore, in the opening / closing mechanism 141, the right-side openable member 142b and the drive motor 145 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Also, in the opening / closing mechanism 141, the left-side openable member 143b and the drive motor 145 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Also, in the opening / closing mechanism 141, the right-side openable member 142b and the left-side openable member 143b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction with the drive motor 145 in between.

[0039] As illustrated in Figure 10, when the right-side openable air passage section 132 is closed, the right-side openable member 142b is located closer to the front, on the right lower cold air outlet 122 side, than the drive motor 145. Similarly, when the left-side openable air passage section 133 is closed, the left-side openable member 143b is located closer to the front, on the left lower cold air outlet 123 side, than the drive motor 145.

[0040] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 11, when the right-side openable air passage section 132 is open, the right-side openable member 142b is located at a position away from the right lower cold air outlet 122, towards the rear, on the drive motor 145 side. Similarly, when the left-side openable air passage section 133 is open, the left-side openable member 143b is located at a position away from the left lower cold air outlet 123, towards the rear, on the drive motor 145 side.

[0041] As illustrated in Figure 12, a thermal insulation member 200 is provided on the rear side of the cold air duct 100, upstream of the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, that is, on the side of the cooler 103. The entire thermal insulation member 200 is made of a thermal insulation material such as expanded polystyrene, aerogel, or carbon fiber.

[0042] The heat insulating member 200 has a configuration that integrally includes a heat insulating section 201, a fan holding section 202, and a cold air generation chamber 203. The heat insulating section 201 is located downstream of the cooler 103 and the cooling fan 104 in the cold air circulation passage 131, and upstream of the opening / closing mechanism section 141 including the drive motor 145. The heat insulating section 201 is also located between the cooler 103 and the opening / closing mechanism section 141 including the drive motor 145 in the cold air circulation passage 131. The heat insulating section 201 is also located between the cooling fan 104 and the opening / closing mechanism section 141 including the drive motor 145 in the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0043] The fan holder portion 202 is located slightly above the center of the heat insulating member 200 in the vertical direction. Inclined portions 202a and 202b are formed on the upper part of the fan holder portion 202. Inclined portions 202a and 202b are inclined to gradually rise outward in the left-right direction of the heat insulating member 200. Furthermore, inclined portions 202a and 202b are inclined to spread outward in the left-right direction from the upstream side to the downstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131. The cooling fan 104 is mounted so as to be sandwiched between the tips of the fan holder portion 202.

[0044] The cold air generation chamber 203 constitutes the lower part of the insulation member 200. In this case, the cold air generation chamber 203 forms a rectangular cold air generation space that surrounds the above, front, left, and right sides of the cooler 103. The cold air at the freezing temperature range generated by the cooler 103 within the cold air generation chamber 203 is introduced into the duct body 101 by the airflow action of the cooling fan 104.

[0045] As illustrated in Figure 13, the size H1 of the heat insulating portion 201 in the front-rear direction is at least larger than the size H2 of the drive motor 145 in the front-rear direction. In this case, the heat insulating portion 201 extends rearward from the rear surface of the upper end of the heat insulating member 200 toward the rear wall of the heat insulating box 11. The rear surface of the heat insulating portion 201 is separated from the front surface of the rear wall of the heat insulating box 11 by a small gap, for example, a few millimeters. The rear surface of the heat insulating portion 201 may be in contact with the rear wall of the heat insulating box 11.

[0046] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 14, the size H3 of the heat insulating section 201 in the left-right direction is at least larger than the size H4 of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. The heat insulating section 201 has an extension portion 201a that extends downstream of the cold air circulation passage 131, outside the end of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. The extension portion 201a extends upward along the left and right sides of the lower part of the drive unit 144 of the opening / closing mechanism 141. The extension portion 201a also extends to a position where its tip contacts or is close to the lower surface of the right-side openable / closable section 142 and the left-side openable / closable section 143.

[0047] Furthermore, the heat insulating section 201 has a facing section 201b that faces the drive motor 145. The facing section 201b constitutes the central part of the heat insulating section 201 in the left-right direction. This facing section 201b extends upstream of the heat insulating section 201, that is, towards the cooler 103, compared to the parts of the heat insulating section 201 other than the facing section 201b. In this case, the facing section 201b is configured to extend in a triangular shape toward the upstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0048] The drive motor 145 can be defined as being located at either end of the openable / closable air passage sections 132 and 133 in the left-right direction. More specifically, as illustrated in Figure 15, the drive motor 145 can be positioned to the left of the center of the right openable / closable air passage section 132 in the left-right direction, and in particular according to this embodiment, the drive motor 145 can be located at the left end of the right openable / closable air passage section 132 in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the drive motor 145 can be positioned to the right of the center of the left openable / closable air passage section 133 in the left-right direction, and in particular according to this embodiment, the drive motor 145 can be located at the right end of the left openable / closable air passage section 133 in the left-right direction.

[0049] Furthermore, the heat-insulating section 201 has inclined sections 201c and 201d that are located upstream of the drive motor 145 and are inclined from upstream to downstream. The inclination angle D1 of the inclined section 201c with respect to the horizontal is an angle that is toward the right side, opposite to the drive motor 145, from the left end, which is the end of the right-side openable air passage section 132 on the drive motor 145 side. Also, the inclination angle D2 of the inclined section 201d with respect to the horizontal is an angle that is toward the left side, opposite to the drive motor 145, from the right end, which is the end of the left-side openable air passage section 133 on the drive motor 145 side.

[0050] As illustrated in Figure 4, the portion of the cold air circulation passage 131 corresponding to the inclined portion 201c is the inclined portion 202a of the fan holder 202 described above. The inclined portion 202a of the fan holder 202 is located at a predetermined distance from the inclined portion 201c of the heat insulation portion 201, thereby ensuring a cold air introduction passage 135 between the inclined portion 201c of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portion 202a of the fan holder 202.

[0051] Furthermore, the portion of the cold air circulation passage 131 corresponding to the inclined portion 201d is the inclined portion 202b of the fan holder 202 described above. The inclined portion 202b of the fan holder 202 is located at a predetermined distance from the inclined portion 201d of the heat insulation portion 201, thereby ensuring a cold air introduction passage 136 between the inclined portion 201d of the heat insulation portion 201 and the inclined portion 202b of the fan holder 202.

[0052] Thus, inlet air passages 135 and 136 with sufficient air passage area are formed in the upstream section, which serves as the inlet from the cold air generation chamber 203 into the cold air circulation passage 131. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly and efficiently introduce cold air from the cold air generation chamber 203 into the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0053] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 4, the cold air circulation duct 131 includes a branched air passage section 137. The branched air passage section 137 is an air passage formed in the cold air circulation duct 131 as a different air passage from the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. The branched air passage section 137 has branch sections 137a and 137b and a confluence section 137c. The branch sections 137a and 137b are provided separately on the left and right sides of the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. In other words, the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133 are sandwiched between the branch sections 137a and 137b in the left-right direction. The confluence section 137c is an air passage structure where the branch sections 137a and 137b merge downstream of the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133.

[0054] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 3, the heat insulating member 200 is provided with a longitudinal reduction section 204 upstream of the opening / closing mechanism 141, in which the air passage area in the longitudinal direction gradually decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side. The heat insulating section 201 is provided downstream, i.e., above, the lower end, which is the upstream end of the longitudinal reduction section 204. Note that the position of the heat insulating section 201 can be appropriately changed as long as it is downstream of the upstream end of the longitudinal reduction section 204.

[0055] It is preferable to place the heat insulating section 201 as far downstream as possible, i.e., as far upward as possible, within the front-to-back reduction section 204. The further upstream, i.e., the lower the position of the heat insulating section 201 is within the front-to-back reduction section 204, the longer the front-to-back dimension of the heat insulating section 201 becomes. This creates the problem of increased difficulty in molding the heat insulating section 201. It also creates the problem of increased susceptibility to damage or breakage of the heat insulating section 201 after molding. Therefore, it is preferable to place the heat insulating section 201 as far downstream as possible within the front-to-back reduction section 204 to prevent its front-to-back dimension from becoming too long.

[0056] Furthermore, the heat insulating member 200 is provided with a left-right expanding section 205 located upstream of the opening / closing mechanism 141, in which the air passage area in the left-right direction gradually expands from the upstream side to the downstream side. The heat insulating member 200 is configured such that at least a portion of the left-right expanding section 205 is located within a predetermined area that includes at least a portion of the front-rear contraction section 204. More specifically, the heat insulating member 200 is configured such that the height position of at least a portion of the front-rear contraction section 204 overlaps with the height position of at least a portion of the left-right expanding section 205. In the example configuration of the refrigerator 10, the height position of the portion of the front-rear contraction section 204 below the center in the vertical direction overlaps with the height position of the portion of the left-right expanding section 205 above the center in the vertical direction.

[0057] A cooler 103 capable of generating cold air in the freezing temperature range is provided at the rear of the cold air duct 100. The rear of the cold air duct 100 is provided with the aforementioned front-to-back narrowing section 204 and left-to-right expanding section 205. The front-to-back narrowing section 204 can be defined as an example of a first inclined section, and is inclined to rise towards the rear as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131. The left-to-right expanding section 205 can be defined as a second inclined section, and is inclined to rise outward in the left-to-right direction as it moves from the upstream side to the downstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0058] Next, an example of the configuration of the interior side, in this case the front side, of the cold air duct 100 will be described. As illustrated in Figure 16, the cold air duct 100 is equipped with multiple chilled lighting units 301 and 302 in this case. The chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are provided on the chilled cooling chamber 22 side of the lower duct forming portion 120 of the duct body portion 101 of the cold air duct 100.

[0059] Furthermore, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are located on the chilled cooling chamber 22 side of the cold air duct 100, in the area facing the cold air circulation passage 131. In other words, when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302 are located in a position where their entirety overlaps with the cold air circulation passage 131. Hereinafter, the chilled lighting unit 301 located on the right side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10 may be referred to as the "right chilled lighting unit 301," and the chilled lighting unit 302 located on the left side when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10 may be referred to as the "left chilled lighting unit 302."

[0060] As illustrated in Figures 17 and 18, the right-side chilled lighting unit 301 has an LED substrate 304 inside a lighting cover 303 that forms its outer casing. A light source 305 is provided on the surface of the LED substrate 304, that is, the surface facing the inside of the refrigerator. In this case, the light source 305 is a light-emitting diode (LED), but other light-emitting elements may also be used. The light source 305 is provided in the area of ​​the chilled cooling chamber 22 side of the cold air duct 100 that faces the cold air circulation passage 131. In other words, when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10, the light source 305 is provided in a position where its entirety overlaps with the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0061] As illustrated in Figure 18, the lighting cover 303 is detachably attached to the surface of the cold air duct 100 facing the chilled cooling chamber 22, in the area opposite the cold air circulation passage 131, and covers the entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305, from the chilled cooling chamber 22 side. Therefore, the lighting cover 303 can be defined as an example of a covering member.

[0062] Although detailed illustrations are omitted, the left-side chilled lighting unit 302 has the same configuration as the right-side chilled lighting unit 301, and its outer casing, the lighting cover 303, contains an LED board 304 on which the light source 305 is mounted.

[0063] As illustrated in Figure 16, the refrigerator 10 is configured to include multiple lighting covers 303, in this case, lighting covers 303 that form the outer casing of the right chilled lighting section 301 and lighting covers 303 that form the outer casing of the left chilled lighting section 302. The refrigerator 10 is configured to have multiple lighting covers 303 and multiple cold air outlets 122, 123 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0064] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 19 and 20, the lighting cover 303 has an exposed surface 303a that is exposed into the chilled cooling chamber 22 when attached to the cold air duct 100. The exposed surface 303a constitutes the left and right end surfaces of the lighting cover 303. The right exposed surface 303a of the lighting cover 303 attached to the right side of the cold air duct 100 is flush with the right side surface of the cold air duct 100. Similarly, the left exposed surface 303a of the lighting cover 303 attached to the left side of the cold air duct 100 is flush with the left side surface of the cold air duct 100. Therefore, when multiple lighting covers 303 are attached to the cold air duct 100, these multiple lighting covers 303 and the cold air duct 100 can form a continuous, integrated appearance.

[0065] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figures 18 and 19, the lighting cover 303 is provided with multiple, in this case, three, ventilation openings 303b. The multiple ventilation openings 303b are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. Also, when viewed from the front of the refrigerator 10, the multiple ventilation openings 303b are located on the lower right side of the lighting cover 303. In addition, a canopy portion 303c is provided above the multiple ventilation openings 303b, extending inward into the refrigerator. The canopy portion 303c is particularly designed to prevent liquids and foreign objects from entering from above the ventilation openings 303b.

[0066] As illustrated in Figure 20, a temperature sensor 306, which is an example of a temperature detection unit, is attached to the rear portion of the vent 303b inside the lighting cover 303. The temperature sensor 306 is composed of, for example, a thermistor, and is capable of detecting the temperature of the cold air flowing into the lighting cover 303 through the vent 303b, in other words, the temperature of the cold air inside the chilled cooling chamber 22 and by extension, the refrigerator chamber 12.

[0067] Multiple, in this case two, lighting covers 303 are attached to the side of the cold air duct 100 facing the chilled cooling chamber 22. The multiple lighting covers 303 are not symmetrical in shape, but rather the left lighting cover 303 and the right lighting cover 303 are identical in shape. However, the multiple lighting covers 303 may have symmetrical shapes, with the left lighting cover 303 and the right lighting cover 303 being identical in shape.

[0068] Furthermore, the LED board 304, which includes a light source 305 located on the right side of the cold air duct 100, is positioned outside the lower right cold air outlet 122 in the left-right direction, in this case, on the right side. Similarly, the LED board 304, which includes a light source 305 located on the left side of the cold air duct 100, is positioned outside the lower left cold air outlet 123 in the left-right direction, in this case, on the left side. In addition, the refrigerator 10 has multiple light sources 305 arranged in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the lower right cold air outlet 122 and the lower left cold air outlet 123.

[0069] As illustrated in Figure 21, a flat portion 401 is formed on the surface of the cold air duct 100 facing the chilled cooling chamber 22, in the region opposite the cold air circulation passage 131. In this case, the flat portion 401 is aligned with the vertical and horizontal directions of the refrigerator 10. The flat portion 401 is also aligned with the direction intersecting the front-to-back direction of the refrigerator 10, in this case, the direction perpendicular to it. Furthermore, the flat portion 401 is located behind the front ends of the cold air outlets 122 and 123 of the cold air duct 100. Additionally, a claw-shaped substrate holding portion 402 is formed on the flat portion 401, protruding inward into the refrigerator. The substrate holding portion 402 is also located behind the front ends of the cold air outlets 122 and 123 of the cold air duct 100. The entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305, is held by the substrate holding portion 402 on these flat portions 401.

[0070] The LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holder 402 in the flat section 401 is parallel to the flat section 401. Therefore, the LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holder 402 in the flat section 401 is also aligned with the vertical and horizontal directions of the refrigerator 10. Furthermore, the LED substrate 304 held by the substrate holder 402 in the flat section 401 is also aligned with the direction that intersects the front-to-back direction of the refrigerator 10, in this case, the direction that is perpendicular to it.

[0071] Furthermore, a sealing member 403 is provided on the flat portion 401. Before being attached to the flat portion 401, the sealing member 403 has a linear shape. The sealing member 403 is then attached to the flat portion 401 by bending this linearly extending member into a rectangular frame shape that surrounds the LED substrate 304. The sealing member 403 can be defined as an example of an airtight member for improving the airtightness around the entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305.

[0072] Furthermore, a rectangular frame-shaped wall portion 307 extending to the rear is formed inside the lighting cover 303. The rear end of this wall portion 307 is embedded in the sealing member 403 when the lighting cover 303 is attached to the cold air duct 100. As a result, the entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305, is also surrounded by the wall portion 307. Therefore, the airtightness around the entire LED substrate 304, including the light source 305, can be further improved.

[0073] Furthermore, a rectangular window 308 is provided in the portion of the lighting cover 303 located in front of the flat portion 401. A light-transmitting member 309, made of a light-transmitting material such as transparent plastic, is attached to this window 308.

[0074] As illustrated in Figure 22, the vertical angle of the illumination range L1 of the light emitted from the light source 305 into the chilled cooling chamber 22 is restricted by the vertical dimensions of the window section 308. The vertical dimensions of the window section 308 can be appropriately changed within a range where the illumination range L1 in the vertical direction is, for example, 120 degrees or less.

[0075] As illustrated in Figure 23, the angle in the left-right direction of the illumination range L2 of the light emitted from the light source 305 into the chilled cooling chamber 22 is restricted by the left-right dimensions of the window section 308. The left-right dimensions of the window section 308 can be appropriately changed within a range where the illumination range L2 in the left-right direction is, for example, 120 degrees or less.

[0076] According to the refrigerator 10, the window section 308 has a vertical dimension that is shorter than its horizontal dimension. Therefore, the lighting range L1 in the vertical direction is narrower than the lighting range L2 in the horizontal direction. However, the window section 308 may be configured so that the vertical dimension is longer than its horizontal dimension, in which case the lighting range L1 in the vertical direction will be wider than the lighting range L2 in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the window section 308 may be configured so that the vertical dimension and the horizontal dimension are the same length, in which case the lighting range L1 in the vertical direction and the lighting range L2 in the horizontal direction will be the same size.

[0077] As illustrated in Figure 21, in the region of the chilled cooling chamber 22-side surface of the chilled air duct 100 that faces the chilled air circulation passage 131, a slanted portion 404 is formed in a part that differs from the flat portion 401. In this case, the slanted portion 404 is located below the flat portion 401. Furthermore, the slanted portion 404 slopes downward from the lower end of the flat portion 401 toward the front. The temperature sensing sensor 306 is positioned in front of this slanted portion 404. Therefore, the temperature sensing sensor 306 can be positioned as close as possible to the inside of the chamber.

[0078] The refrigerator 10 configured as described above includes a cooler 103 capable of generating cold air, and a cold air circulation passage 131 capable of supplying the cold air generated by the cooler 103 into the refrigerator compartment 12. The cold air circulation passage 131 includes openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. The openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133 can be opened and closed by an opening and closing mechanism 141, and their downstream side is connected to a chilled cooling compartment 22 in the refrigerator compartment 12. The opening and closing mechanism 141 includes openable and closable members 142b and 143b that can adjust the opening degree of the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133, and a drive motor 145 capable of driving these openable and closable members 142b and 143b. In the refrigerator 10, an insulating section 201 is provided in the cold air circulation passage 131 downstream of the cooler 103 and upstream of the drive motor 145.

[0079] In other words, the refrigerator 10 is configured such that at least a portion of the cold air circulation passage 131 that supplies cold air into the refrigerator compartment 12 can be opened and closed by an opening / closing mechanism 141, and the opening / closing mechanism 141 is provided between the cooler 103, which can be cooled to the freezing temperature range, and the refrigerator compartment 12, which can be cooled to the refrigeration temperature range. Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 configured in this way has an insulating section 201 located downstream of the cooler 103 and upstream of the drive motor 145 in the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0080] With the refrigerator 10 configured in this way, the heat insulating section 201 can prevent the cold air supplied from the cooler 103 from directly contacting the opening / closing mechanism 141, which includes the drive motor 145. As a result, the heat insulating section 201 can prevent condensation from occurring on the opening / closing mechanism 141 equipped with the drive motor 145, and consequently, it can prevent the opening / closing mechanism 141 equipped with the drive motor 145 from freezing. This allows the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 to be opened and closed smoothly, and enables precise adjustment of the cooling intensity inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the chilled cooling compartment 22.

[0081] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, the openable and closable members 142b, 143b and the drive motor 145 are arranged in a left-right direction. With this configuration, the heat insulating section 201 can be placed upstream of the drive motor 145 in the opening and closing mechanism section 141 without the interposition of the openable and closable members 142b, 143b. Therefore, the heat insulating effect of the heat insulating section 201 can be directly applied to the part of the opening and closing mechanism section 141 where the drive motor 145 is located. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress freezing of the part of the opening and closing mechanism section 141 where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0082] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the size of the heat insulating section 201 in the front-to-back direction is larger than the size of the drive motor 145 in the front-to-back direction. With this configuration example, in the front-to-back direction, the entire portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located, can be covered by the heat insulating section 201 from the upstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the freezing of the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0083] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the size of the insulation section 201 in the left-right direction is larger than the size of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. With this configuration example, in the left-right direction, the entire portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located, can be covered by the insulation section 201 from the upstream side of the cold air circulation passage 131. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress the freezing of the portion of the opening / closing mechanism 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0084] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the heat insulating section 201 has an extension portion 201a that extends downstream beyond the end of the drive motor 145 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, the left and right portions of the opening and closing mechanism 141, particularly the portion where the drive motor 145 is located, can also be covered by the extension portion 201a. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress freezing of the opening and closing mechanism 141, particularly the portion where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0085] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the heat-insulating section 201 has a facing section 201b that faces the drive motor 145. This facing section 201b extends upstream of the rest of the heat-insulating section 201. With this configuration, the thickness of the facing section 201b that faces the drive motor 145 can be made thicker than the rest of the heat-insulating section 201. This makes it possible to more effectively suppress freezing of the opening and closing mechanism section 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0086] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the central part of the insulation section 201 in the left-right direction extends upstream of the cold air circulation passage 131. In this case, the central part of the insulation section 201 in the left-right direction is configured as the opposing section 201b described above, and therefore, the insulation section 201, in which the thickness of the central part in the left-right direction is greater than that of other parts, can provide even more sufficient insulation to the part of the opening and closing mechanism section 141 in particular where the drive motor 145 is located.

[0087] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 of this disclosure is a configuration example in which a drive motor 145 is provided at either end of the right-side openable air passage section 132 in the left-right direction. Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 of this disclosure is a configuration example in which a drive motor 145 is provided at either end of the left-side openable air passage section 133 in the left-right direction. Specifically, according to the refrigerator 10, the drive motor 145 is provided at the left end of the right-side openable air passage section 132 in the left-right direction, and at the right end of the left-side openable air passage section 133 in the left-right direction. The heat insulating section 201 has inclined sections 201c and 201d that are inclined upstream of the drive motor 145 and inclined from upstream to downstream. The inclination angles D1 and D2 of these inclined sections 201c and 201d are angles that are toward the opposite side from the drive motor 145 from the end of the openable air passage sections 132 and 133 on the drive motor 145 side. In other words, the inclined sections 201c and 201d are tilted in a direction that gradually moves them away from the drive motor 145.

[0088] According to this configuration example, the inclined sections 201c and 201d can guide the cold air away from the drive motor 145, making it possible to more effectively suppress freezing of the opening / closing mechanism section 141, especially the part where the drive motor 145 is located. Furthermore, if it is desired to suppress the supply of cold air to the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32 and the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33 while promoting the supply of cold air to the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, the cold air can be efficiently guided to the branched air passage section 137 connected to the upper chilled cooling chamber 31, rather than to the right-side openable / closable air passage section 132 connected to the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32 or the left-side openable / closable air passage section 133 connected to the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33, thereby promoting the cooling of the upper chilled cooling chamber 31.

[0089] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, the inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202 are provided in the portion of the cold air circulation passage 131 corresponding to the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulating portion 201. These inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202 are located at a predetermined distance from the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulating portion 201. With this configuration example, introduction passages 135 and 136 with sufficient air passage area can be formed between the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat insulating portion 201 and the inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holder 202, and cold air can be introduced into the cold air circulation passage 131 more smoothly and efficiently through these introduction passages 135 and 136. The predetermined distance between the inclined portions 201c and 201d of the heat-insulating portion 201 and the inclined portions 202a and 202b of the fan holding portion 202, in other words, the size of the airflow area of ​​the introduction air passages 135 and 136, can be changed as appropriate.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold air circulation passage 131 includes a branched air passage 137 in addition to the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. This branched air passage 137 has branched sections 137a and 137b that are separated to the left and right of the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133, and a merging section 137c where the branched sections 137a and 137b merge downstream of the openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133. In other words, according to the refrigerator 10, while it has openable and closable air passage sections 132 and 133 that supply cold air to the lower right chilled cooling compartment 32 and the lower left chilled cooling compartment 33, it also has a branched air passage 137 that supplies cold air to the upper chilled cooling compartment 31.

[0091] According to this configuration example, even if a branch air passage 137 is provided in addition to the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, these air passages 132, 133, and 137 can be provided compactly. Furthermore, the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133, which are opened and closed by the opening and closing mechanism 141, can be conveniently arranged between the branch sections 137a and 137b of the branch air passage 137, making it easier to realize a configuration in which multiple openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 can be opened and closed by a single opening and closing mechanism 141.

[0092] Furthermore, the branched air passage section 137 allows the cold air dispersed on the branched section 137a and branched section 137b to be merged at the confluence section 137c and then supplied to the upper chilled cooling chamber 31 and the refrigerator compartment 12. Therefore, even if a portion of the branched air passage section 137 is dispersed, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of cold air supplied to the upper chilled cooling chamber 31 and the refrigerator compartment 12, or a weakening of its force.

[0093] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, the drive motor 145 is positioned to the left or right of the center of the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 in the left-right direction. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the drive motor 145 becoming an airflow resistance within the openable and closable air passage 132 or the openable and closable air passage 133. This makes it possible to maintain a state in which cold air flows smoothly within the openable and closable air passage 132 or the openable and closable air passage 133.

[0094] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with air outlets 122 and 123 that blow cold air from the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 into the chilled cooling chamber 22. When the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are closed, the openable and closable members 142b and 143b are configured to be located closer to the air outlets 122 and 123 than to the drive motor 145. When the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are open, the openable and closable members 142b and 143b are configured to be located further away from the air outlets 122 and 123 towards the drive motor 145.

[0095] According to this configuration example, it is possible to avoid the openable and closable members 142b and 143b blocking the air outlets 122 and 123 when the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are open, and to maintain a smooth flow of cold air through the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133. Furthermore, according to this configuration example, when the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are half-open or half-closed, the tips of the openable and closable members 142b and 143b are pointed toward the air outlets 122 and 123. Therefore, even when the openable and closable air passages 132 and 133 are in a half-open or half-closed state, the openable and closable members 142b and 143b can guide the cold air toward the air outlets 122 and 123, and sufficient cold air can be supplied to the lower right chilled cooling chamber 32 and the lower left chilled cooling chamber 33.

[0096] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a front-to-back reducing section 204 upstream of the opening / closing mechanism 141, in which the airflow area of ​​the cold air circulation passage 131 in the front-to-back direction gradually decreases toward the downstream side. The heat insulating section 201 is provided downstream of the upstream end of this front-to-back reducing section 204. With this configuration, the front-to-back reducing section 204 can guide the cold air toward the heat insulating section 201, and more cold air can be insulated by the heat insulating section 201.

[0097] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is provided with a left-right expanding section 205 upstream of the opening / closing mechanism 141, which expands the airflow area of ​​the cold air circulation passage 131 in the left-right direction toward the downstream side. In this configuration example, the left-right expanding section 205 can guide the cold air away from the insulation section 201. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the cold air being too concentrated toward the insulation section 201 by the front-rear contracting section 204.

[0098] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is configured such that at least a portion of the left-right expanding portion 205 is provided within a predetermined area that includes at least a portion of the front-rear shrinking portion 204. In other words, the refrigerator 10 is configured such that the height position of at least a portion of the front-rear shrinking portion 204 and the height position of at least a portion of the left-right expanding portion 205 overlap. With this configuration, the reduction of the airflow area by the front-rear shrinking portion 204 and the expansion of the airflow area by the left-right expanding portion 205 can be performed in roughly the same area. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the formation of parts in the cold air circulation airflow passage 131 where the airflow area decreases or increases abruptly, and a stable airflow configuration can be achieved in which sudden fluctuations in the wind speed and airflow volume of the cold air within the cold air circulation airflow passage 131 are suppressed.

[0099] Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a cold air duct 100 that forms a cold air circulation passage 131 within the refrigerator compartment 12 through which cold air flows. Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a light source 305 on the surface of the cold air duct 100 facing the cold air circulation passage 131 on the refrigerator compartment 12 side. Furthermore, the refrigerator 10 is configured to have a lighting cover 303 attached to the surface of the cold air duct 100 facing the cold air circulation passage 131 on the refrigerator compartment 12 side. The lighting cover 303, when attached to the cold air duct 100, covers the light source 305 from the refrigerator compartment 12 side.

[0100] According to this configuration example, in a refrigerator 10 equipped with a light source 305 in the refrigerator compartment 12, the light source 305 can be housed in the cold air duct 100 on the side facing the refrigerator compartment 12 without protruding into the interior of the refrigerator or into the cold air circulation passage 131. Therefore, the light source 305 can be provided while avoiding a reduction in the volume of the refrigerator compartment 12 and narrowing of the cold air circulation passage 131.

[0101] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, a flat portion 401 is formed along the cold air circulation passage 131 in the region of the cold air duct 100 facing the cold air circulation passage 131 on the side of the cold air duct 100 that is on the side of the cold air compartment 12. The light source 305 is provided on this flat portion 401. A sealing member 403 is provided on this flat portion 401 to improve airtightness around the light source 305.

[0102] According to this configuration example, the airtightness around the light source 305 can be improved by the sealing member 403, and the occurrence of condensation around the light source 305 can be suppressed. Furthermore, by providing the sealing member 403 on the flat portion 401, it is possible to suppress the bending or flexing of the sealing member 403, making it easier to further improve the airtightness around the light source 305.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, in the region of the cold air duct 100 facing the cold air circulation passage 131 on the side facing the refrigerator compartment 12, an inclined portion 404 is formed in a part different from the flat portion 401, and is inclined with respect to the flat portion 401. In the cold air duct 100 that forms the cold air circulation passage 131, it is common to have an inclined portion like the inclined portion 404 for purposes such as securing the air passage area of ​​the cold air circulation passage 131 or securing an area for placing the heat insulating member 200. According to the refrigerator 10, the sealing member 403 is configured to be placed on the flat portion 401 rather than on such an inclined portion. As a result, the sealing member 403 can be placed along the flat portion 401 without bending or flexing, and a configuration can be realized that makes it easier to further improve the airtightness around the light source 305.

[0104] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold air duct 100 has a plurality of cold air outlets 122, 123 that blow cold air into the chilled cooling chamber 22. In the refrigerator 10, the plurality of lighting covers 303 and the plurality of cold air outlets 122, 123 are arranged in a row in the left-right direction. In the refrigerator 10, since the plurality of cold air outlets 122, 123 are components that blow cold air into the chilled cooling chamber 22, they are positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled cooling chamber 22. And the plurality of lighting covers 303, which are arranged in a row in the left-right direction, are also positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled cooling chamber 22, in relation to the cold air outlets 122, 123 which are positioned below the upper end and above the lower end of the chilled cooling chamber 22.

[0105] Therefore, according to the refrigerator 10, the chilled lighting units 301 and 302, whose outer casing is formed by these lighting covers 303, can be positioned between the upper and lower ends of the chilled cooling chamber 22. With this configuration, light can be efficiently irradiated into the chilled cooling chamber 22 from the chilled lighting units 301 and 302.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the cold air duct 100 has multiple cold air outlets 122, 123 that blow cold air into the chilled cooling chamber 22. Also, according to the refrigerator 10, the multiple light sources 305 are located outside the cold air outlets 122, 123 in the left-right direction. In addition, according to the refrigerator 10, the multiple light sources 305 are arranged so as to sandwich the cold air outlets 122, 123 in the left-right direction. With this configuration example, the multiple cold air outlets 122, 123 can be concentrated towards the center in the left-right direction, and cold air can be efficiently distributed from one cold air circulation passage 131 to the multiple cold air outlets 122, 123.

[0107] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the lighting cover 303 has an exposed surface 303a that is exposed into the chilled cooling chamber 22 when attached to the cold air duct 100. This exposed surface 303a is provided at the left and right ends of the lighting cover 303. In this configuration, when the lighting cover 303 is attached to the cold air duct 100, the exposed surface 303a, which is part of the lighting cover 303, is flush with the side surface of the cold air duct 100. Therefore, the lighting cover 303 and the cold air duct 100 can be made to appear as a single, continuous unit.

[0108] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, multiple lighting covers 303 are attached to the side of the cold air duct 100 facing the chilled cooling chamber 22. These multiple lighting covers 303 are identical in shape. With this configuration, the lighting covers 303 can be used as identical parts for both the right chilled lighting section 301 located on the right side of the cold air duct 100 and the left chilled lighting section 302 located on the left side, thereby preventing an increase in the number of parts to be handled.

[0109] Furthermore, if the right chilled lighting unit 301, located on the right side of the cold air duct 100, and the left chilled lighting unit 302, located on the left side, are configured to have lighting covers of different shapes, there is a risk of incorrect assembly, such as attaching the lighting cover for the right chilled lighting unit 301 to the left chilled lighting unit 302, or attaching the lighting cover for the left chilled lighting unit 302 to the right chilled lighting unit 301. The refrigerator 10 makes it possible to avoid such incorrect assembly and improves the efficiency of the manufacturing process of the refrigerator 10.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the chilled cooling compartment 22 is divided into multiple cooling compartments 31, 32, 33, and 34 by a lower horizontal partition plate 23, a right vertical partition plate 24, and a left vertical partition plate 25, which are located between multiple air outlets 121, 122, and 123. With this configuration, the circulation of cold air between the multiple cooling compartments 31, 32, 33, and 34 can be suppressed by the lower horizontal partition plate 23, the right vertical partition plate 24, and the left vertical partition plate 25, making it possible to maintain different temperatures within each of the cooling compartments 31, 32, 33, and 34.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the refrigerator 10, the right-side chilled compartment lighting unit 301, located on the right side of the cold air duct 100, is positioned in the center or around the center of the lower right chilled compartment 32 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the right-side chilled compartment lighting unit 301 can easily illuminate the entire lower right chilled compartment 32. Similarly, the left-side chilled compartment lighting unit 302, located on the left side of the cold air duct 100, is positioned in the center or around the center of the lower left chilled compartment 33 in the left-right direction. Therefore, the left-side chilled compartment lighting unit 302 can easily illuminate the entire lower left chilled compartment 33.

[0112] Furthermore, in the refrigerator 10, a temperature detection sensor 306 for detecting the temperature inside the chilled cooling compartment 22 is installed inside the lighting cover 303. With this configuration, the temperature detection sensor 306 can be placed using the space formed inside the lighting cover 303. In addition, the space formed inside the lighting cover 303 is separated from the inside of the refrigerator compartment 12 and the cold air circulation duct 131. Therefore, temperature detection by the temperature detection sensor 306 can be performed while suppressing the influence of the cold air flowing inside the refrigerator compartment 12 and the cold air circulation duct 131, thereby improving the accuracy of temperature detection. Moreover, the temperature detection sensor 306 can be installed at the same time as the lighting cover 303 is installed on the cold air duct 100, thereby improving the efficiency of the refrigerator 10 manufacturing process.

[0113] This embodiment is not limited to the one described above, and various modifications and extensions can be made without departing from its essence. For example, the storage room where the cold air circulation passage 131 and the light source 305 are provided is not limited to the refrigerator room 12, but may be any other storage room. Furthermore, this embodiment can be applied not only to refrigerators equipped with a refrigerator room and a freezer room, but also to refrigerators equipped only with a refrigerator room or freezers equipped only with a freezer room.

[0114] Furthermore, the chilled cooling chamber 22 may be located in a storage chamber other than the refrigerator chamber 12, rather than within the refrigerator chamber 12. In this case, the chilled cooling chamber 22 may be located in at least one of the following storage chambers: the vegetable compartment 13, the ice-making compartment 14, the small freezer compartment 15, or the large freezer compartment 16, or it may be provided as a separate storage chamber distinct from these storage chambers 13, 14, 15, and 16.

[0115] Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 24, the refrigerator 10 may be configured to include an opening / closing mechanism 441 in the cold air circulation passage 431, which can be referred to as, for example, a "single damper device." The opening / closing mechanism 441 is configured to drive one openable / closable member 442b with one drive motor 445. The openable / closable member 442b is an example of an opening degree adjustment unit that opens and closes an opening 442a through which cold air can pass.

[0116] Even when such an opening / closing mechanism 441 is provided, the drive motor 445 is preferably installed at either the left or right end of the cold air circulation passage 431. This prevents the drive motor 445 from becoming an airflow resistance.

[0117] Furthermore, the heat insulating section 201 may be provided integrally as part of the heat insulating member 200, or it may be provided as a separate component from the heat insulating member 200. In addition, the shape and size of the heat insulating section 201 can be changed as appropriate.

[0118] Furthermore, the partition members may divide a single storage compartment horizontally, vertically, or in the front-to-back direction. In other words, any member that divides a single storage compartment into multiple cooling spaces can be defined as an example of a "partition member" in this disclosure, such as an upper horizontal partition plate 20, a lower horizontal partition plate 23, shelves installed in the refrigerator compartment 12, or partition walls provided in the vegetable compartment 13 or the large freezer compartment 16.

[0119] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, this embodiment is presented merely as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiment in this disclosure can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0120] In the drawing, 10 is the refrigerator, 12 is the refrigerator compartment (storage compartment), 22 is the chilled cooling compartment (special compartment), 23 is the lower horizontal partition plate (partition member), 24 is the right vertical partition plate (partition member), 25 is the left vertical partition plate (partition member), 100 is the cold air duct (air passage forming member), 103 is the cooler (cooling unit), 121 is the upper cold air outlet (outlet), 122 is the lower right cold air outlet (outlet), 123 is the lower left cold air outlet (outlet), 131 is the cold air circulation air passage (air passage), 132, 133 are the openable / closable air passage section, 141 is the open / close mechanism section (open / close section), 142 b and 143b are openable / closable members (opening degree adjustment section), 144 is the drive section, 137 is the branch air passage section, 137a and 137b are branch sections, 137c is the confluence section, 201 is the heat insulating section, 201a is the extension section, 201b is the opposing section, 201c and 201d are the inclined sections, 204 is the front-to-back reduction section (first inclined section), 205 is the left-to-right expansion section (second inclined section), 303 is the lighting cover (covering member), 303a is the exposed surface, 305 is the light source, 306 is the temperature sensing sensor (temperature sensing section), 401 is the flat section, 403 is the sealing member (airtight member), and 404 is the inclined section.

Claims

1. An airflow channel forming member is installed inside the storage chamber and forms an airflow channel through which cold air flows, A light source is provided on the surface of the air passage forming member on the storage chamber side, in a region facing the air passage, A covering member is attached to the region of the storage chamber-side surface of the air passage forming member that faces the air passage, and covers the light source from the storage chamber side. A refrigerator equipped with [a specific feature].

2. A flat portion is formed along the air passage in the region of the storage chamber-side surface of the air passage forming member that faces the air passage. The light source is provided on the planar portion, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the flat portion is provided with an airtight member for improving airtightness around the light source.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein an inclined portion is formed on the surface of the air passage forming member on the storage chamber side, in a region facing the air passage, in a portion different from the flat portion, and which is inclined with respect to the flat portion.

4. On the rear side of the aforementioned airflow forming member, A cooler that generates cold air, A first inclined section that slopes towards the rear as it goes downstream, A second inclined section that slopes outward in the left-right direction as it approaches the downstream side, Equipped with, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the second inclined portion is arranged within a predetermined region that includes at least a portion of the first inclined portion.

5. The air passage forming member has an outlet for blowing cold air into the storage chamber, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cover member and the air outlet are aligned in the left-right direction.

6. The air passage forming member has an outlet for blowing cold air into the storage chamber, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the light source is provided outside the air outlet in the left-right direction.

7. The light source comprises multiple such light sources, The air passage forming member has an outlet for blowing cold air into the storage chamber, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the light sources are arranged in the left-right direction so as to sandwich the air outlet.

8. The covering member has an exposed surface that is exposed into the storage chamber when attached to the air passage forming member, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the exposed surface is provided at the left-right end of the covering member.

9. Multiple covering members are attached to the storage chamber side of the air passage forming member. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the multiple covering members are of the same shape.

10. The air passage forming member has a plurality of outlets for blowing cold air into the storage chamber, The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the storage chamber is divided into a plurality of cooling chambers by partition members provided between a plurality of air outlets.

11. The storage chamber is equipped with a temperature detection unit that detects the temperature inside the storage chamber. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensing unit is attached to the cover member.

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