refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator which can perform low temperature cooling control more properly.SOLUTION: A refrigerator of an embodiment has a housing and a cooling part. The housing has a cooling air passage component forming a cooling air passage which guides cooling air generated in the cooling part to a storage part. The cooling air passage component has: a body; a cover member provided on a front surface of the body; and a protection part located in at least a part of an outer peripheral end of the body and protruding to the outer side farther than an outer periphery end of the cover member when the cooling air passage component is viewed from the front.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there have been duct covers (covering members) with different colors to improve the interior atmosphere and create a luxurious feel. The duct cover is attached so as to cover the front of the duct parts (cold air passage parts). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-118340 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] When attaching the duct cover to the duct parts, the outer peripheral edges of the duct cover and the duct parts are aligned, but due to manufacturing variations, the outer peripheral edge of the duct cover may be exposed. In this case, for example, when a user takes out food or cleans, there is a risk that their fingers or cleaning tools may touch and get caught on the outer peripheral edge of the duct cover.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of performing more appropriate low-temperature cooling control. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a housing having a storage unit, a cooling unit for cooling the storage unit, and a plurality of shelves detachably arranged with respect to the storage unit. The housing includes a cold air passage component that constitutes a cold air passage that guides cold air generated in the cooling unit to the storage unit. The cold air passage component includes a main body, a covering member provided in front of the main body, and a protective portion that is provided on at least a part of an outer circumferential end of the main body and that protrudes outward beyond the outer circumferential end of the covering member when the cold air passage component is viewed from the front. A fixing portion between the main body and the covering member is provided behind the shelves. At least a portion of the fixing portion overlaps with the shelf in the front-rear direction. The fixing portion is configured by engaging a locking portion formed on the cover member with a recess formed in the cold air passage component. The recess is formed by cutting out the rear end surface of the protection portion toward the front. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the refrigerator taken along line II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of the refrigeration cycle device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a front view showing in detail the structure of the refrigerator compartment side of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the first duct part of the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the first duct part of the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching the duct cover to the duct main body. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a method for attaching the duct cover to the duct main body. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view mainly showing the fixing portion of the first duct part. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the outer circumferential end portion of the main body. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[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 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Further, duplicated descriptions of those components may be omitted.

[0009] (Embodiment) [1. Overall configuration of the refrigerator] Hereinafter, a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the refrigerator 1 taken along line II-II in Fig. 1.

[0010] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 11, a plurality of shelves 12, a plurality of containers 13, a flow path forming component 14, a cooling section 15, and a control board 16.

[0011] As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 10 has, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a heat insulating section 10c. The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is formed to be slightly larger than the inner box 10a, and is disposed outside the inner box 10a. The heat insulating section 10c, which includes a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam, is provided between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

[0012] A plurality of storage compartments (storage sections) 27 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 27A, a chilled compartment 27AA, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice-making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment 27D, and a main freezer compartment 27E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 27A is disposed at the top, the vegetable compartment 27B is disposed below the refrigerator compartment 27A, the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D are disposed below the vegetable compartment 27B, and the main freezer compartment 27E is disposed below the ice-making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D.

[0013] However, the arrangement of storage compartments 27 is not limited to the above example, and for example, ice-making compartment 27C and small freezer compartment 27D may be arranged below refrigerator compartment 27A, main freezer compartment 27E may be arranged below ice-making compartment 27C and small freezer compartment 27D, and vegetable compartment 27B may be arranged below main freezer compartment 27E. Housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 27 that allows food ingredients to be put in and taken out of each storage compartment 27.

[0014] Chilled compartment 27AA is provided, for example, below a part of refrigerator compartment 27A. Chilled compartment 27AA is at least partially partitioned from refrigerator compartment 27A by, for example, a shelf or a wall (third partition 30). Chilled compartment 27AA is cooled to a lower temperature than refrigerator compartment 27A because it is located below refrigerator compartment 27A and cold cooling air (hereinafter, cold air) can easily flow into it, and because it is located closer to a refrigeration cooler 41 (described later) than refrigerator compartment 27A. Chilled compartment 27AA is an example of a "storage section." In this embodiment, an internal space S is formed by refrigerator compartment 27A and chilled compartment 27AA.

[0015] The housing 10 has a first partition 28, a second partition 29, and a third partition 30. The first partition 28 separates the refrigerator compartment 27A from the vegetable compartment 27B. The second partition 29 separates the vegetable compartment 27B from the ice making compartment 27C and the small freezer compartment 27D. The third partition 30 is located between the chilled compartment 27AA and the refrigerator compartment 27A other than the chilled compartment 27AA, and is a partition wall that separates the area of ​​the chilled compartment 27AA within the refrigerator compartment 27A. The second partition 29 contains, for example, a foam insulation material and has thermal insulation properties. The first partition 28 and the third partition 30 are formed of, for example, a synthetic resin, and have lower thermal insulation properties than the second partition 29.

[0016] The openings of the storage compartments 27 are closed by the doors 11 so as to be openable and closable. The doors 11 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 27A, a refrigerator compartment door 11AA that closes the opening of the chilled compartment 27AA in the internal space S, a vegetable compartment door 11B that closes the opening of the vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment door 11C that closes the opening of the ice making compartment 27C, a small freezer compartment door 11D that closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 27D, and a main freezer compartment door 11E that closes the opening of the main freezer compartment 27E. At least one of the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab is an example of a "first door." The chilled compartment door 11AA is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 27A more than the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa and 11Ab.

[0017] In addition, all or a part of the chilled compartment door 11AA may be provided integrally with the chilled compartment container 13A described later.

[0018] A plurality of shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A. As shown in Fig. 2, the inner box 10a of this embodiment has six first shelf support parts 61 formed at intervals in the vertical direction, and is provided with a plurality of shelves 12 installed on any of these six first shelf support parts 61. In this embodiment, three shelves 12 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 27A. The mounting positions of the three shelves 12 shown in Fig. 2 are examples, and show, for example, the mounting positions at the time of shipment of the refrigerator. Each shelf 12 is detachably mounted to the shelf support parts 6, and the mounting position can be appropriately changed up or down depending on the usage situation.

[0019] 2, the multiple containers 13 include a chilled compartment container 13A provided in chilled compartment 27AA, first and second vegetable compartment containers 13Ba, 13Bb provided in vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment container (not shown) provided in ice making compartment 27C, a small freezer container 13D provided in small freezer compartment 27D, and first and second main freezer containers 13Ea, 13Eb provided in main freezer compartment 27E. In this specification, the term "container" also includes a shallow container such as a tray.

[0020] 2, the flow path forming parts 14 are disposed inside the housing 10. The flow path forming parts 14 include a first duct part (cold air passage part) 31, a second duct part 32, and a sub-duct part 35.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, the first duct part 31 is provided along the rear wall 10d of the housing 10. The first duct part 31 is provided from the storage chamber 27 side, facing the inner surface of the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a. Between the first duct part 31 and the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a, a first duct space (cold air passage) D1, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed. The first duct part 31 has a plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a. The plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a open to the refrigerator compartment 27A and the first duct space D1, and communicate the refrigerator compartment 27A with the first duct space D1. The plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a are provided at a plurality of positions at different heights above the chilled chamber 27AA.

[0022] The plurality of refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 31a open to the refrigerator compartment 27A and the first duct space D1, and connect the refrigerator compartment 27A and the first duct space D1.

[0023] The subduct part 35 is located at the lower part of the first duct part 31, and is provided from the storage room 27 side, facing the inner surface of the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a. The subduct part 35 forms a subduct space SD, which is a passage through which cool air (air) flows, between the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a. The subduct space SD communicates with the first duct space D1. The subduct part 35 has a chilled room cool air outlet 35b and a cool air return port 35c. The chilled room cool air outlet 35b opens to the chilled room 27AA, and communicates the chilled room 27AA with the subduct space SD. The cool air return port 35c opens to the vegetable room 27B, and communicates the vegetable room 27B with the subduct space SD.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the cool air that has passed through the chilled compartment 27AA and the vegetable compartment 27B returns to the sub-duct space SD through the cool air return port 35c.

[0025] The second duct part 32 is provided along the rear wall 10d of the housing 10. The second duct part 32 forms a second duct space D2, which is a passage through which the cold air (air) flows. The second duct part 32 has a cold air outlet 32a and a cold air return port 32b. The cold air outlet 32a opens into the small freezer compartment 27D, and the cold air return port 32b opens into the main freezer compartment 27E. The cold air that has passed through the small freezer compartment 27D returns to the second duct space D2 from the cold air return port 35c.

[0026] The cooling section (cooling unit) 15 cools the multiple storage chambers 27. The cooling section 15 includes, for example, a first cooling module 40, a second cooling module 45, a compressor 49, and a refrigeration cycle device 50 (FIG. 3).

[0027] The first cooling module 40 includes, for example, a cold storage cooler 41 and a cold storage fan 43. The cold storage cooler 41 is disposed in a sub-duct space SD that communicates with the first duct space D1. The cold storage cooler 41 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49 (described later) and cools the cold air flowing through the first duct space D1 and the sub-duct space SD. The cold storage cooler 41 is disposed, for example, at a height corresponding to the chilled chamber 27AA.

[0028] The refrigeration fan 43 is provided, for example, at the cold air return port 35c of the subduct part 35. When the refrigeration fan 43 is driven, the air in the vegetable compartment 27B flows into the subduct space SD from the cold air return port 35c. The air that flows into the subduct space SD is cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41. The cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 is blown out from the plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a into the refrigerator compartment 27A, and from the chilled compartment cold air outlet 35b into the chilled compartment 27AA. As a result, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B is circulated in the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator compartment 27A, the chilled compartment 27AA, and the vegetable compartment 27B are cooled.

[0029] On the other hand, the second cooling module 45 includes, for example, a refrigeration cooler 46 and a refrigeration fan 48. The refrigeration cooler 46 is disposed in the second duct space D2. The refrigeration cooler 46 is supplied with a refrigerant compressed by a compressor 49 (described later) and cools the cold air flowing through the second duct space D2.

[0030] The refrigeration fan 48 is provided, for example, in the cold air return port 32b of the second duct part 32, and circulates the cold air flowing through the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E to cool the ice making compartment 27C, the small freezer compartment 27D, and the main freezer compartment 27E.

[0031] Compressor 49 is provided, for example, in a machine room at the bottom of refrigerator 1, and compresses refrigerant gas used to cool storage compartment 27.

[0032] In this specification, "cooling" refers to a state in which a refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 49 to a cooler (refrigeration cooler 41 or freezing cooler 46) corresponding to each storage chamber 27. However, in this specification, "cooling" is not limited to the case in which the refrigeration fan 43 or the freezing fan 48 is driven. For example, "cooling" also includes a case in which the refrigeration fan 43 is stopped and a refrigerant is sent from the compressor 49 to the refrigeration cooler 41, causing the temperature of the chilled chamber 27AA to decrease due to heat transfer between the refrigeration cooler 41 and the chilled chamber 27AA.

[0033] The control board 16 is provided on the upper wall of the housing 10. The control board 16 realizes a control unit 100, which will be described later. The control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0034] [2. Refrigeration cycle equipment] The refrigerator 1 configured as above is cooled by a refrigeration cycle device 50 controlled by a control unit 100 described later. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 50. As shown in FIG.

[0035] The refrigeration cycle device 50 is configured by connecting a compressor 49, a condenser 51, a dryer 52, a three-way valve 53, capillary tubes 54 and 55, a refrigeration cooler 41, and a refrigeration cooler 46 in a ring shape in the order of refrigerant flow. The refrigeration cooler 41 is connected to the compressor 49 via a refrigeration-side suction pipe 57, which is a connecting pipe. The refrigeration cooler 46 is connected to the compressor 49 via a refrigeration-side suction pipe 58, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 59 is provided between the refrigeration cooler 46 and the compressor 49 to prevent the refrigerant from the refrigeration cooler 41 from flowing back to the refrigeration cooler 46.

[0036] Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 will be described. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 50 is compressed by the compressor 49 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, and flows through a flow path A. The three-way valve 53 is controlled by the control unit 100 (see FIG. 4) to select, for example, one of a flow path B that supplies the refrigerant to the refrigeration cooler 41 and a flow path C that supplies the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 46. These two flow paths B and C join at a joining point D. The refrigerant flows from the joining point D through a flow path E and returns to the compressor 49.

[0037] [3. Control] [3.1 Control-related functional configuration] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control board 16 is equipped with a control unit 100 consisting of a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, etc. The control unit 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1. In the following explanation, a case where the temperature of the chilled compartment 27AA is the main target for temperature management of the special chilled operation described later will be explained. The control unit 100 is connected to a chilled fan 43, a compressor 49, a three-way valve 53, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 110, a chilled compartment temperature sensor 111, an outside air temperature sensor 112, a chilled compartment door switch 113a, 113b, a chilled compartment door switch 114, a camera 115, a memory unit 116, and an operation panel unit 150.

[0038] Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is provided in refrigerator compartment 27A and detects the air temperature within refrigerator compartment 27A. Chilled compartment temperature sensor 111 is a non-contact temperature sensor provided in chilled compartment 27AA. Chilled compartment temperature sensor 111 detects the air temperature within chilled compartment 27AA, the temperature of food within chilled compartment 27AA (e.g., the surface temperature of the food), or the temperature of a container placed within chilled compartment 27AA on which food is placed.

[0039] The chilled compartment temperature sensor 111 may be a direct contact type temperature sensor that is in direct contact with the container. The chilled compartment temperature sensor 111 is an example of a "temperature detection unit." Hereinafter, the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 27A may be referred to as the "refrigerator compartment temperature," and the air temperature in the chilled compartment 27AA may be referred to as the "chilled compartment temperature."

[0040] The control unit 100 may estimate the chilled compartment temperature based on the detection result of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 and a correlation between the refrigerator compartment temperature and the chilled compartment temperature that is determined in advance. In this case, the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is an example of a "temperature detection unit that detects the air temperature of the chilled compartment 27AA."

[0041] It should be noted that in cases where the temperature of food is detected by camera 115 (described later), chilled compartment temperature sensor 111 may be omitted.

[0042] The outside air temperature sensor 112 is provided on the surface of the refrigerator 1 and detects the outside air temperature of the refrigerator 1. In this specification, the "outside air temperature" means the temperature outside the refrigerator 1, for example, the air temperature indoors where the refrigerator 1 is installed.

[0043] The refrigerator compartment door switches 113a, 113b are provided between the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa, 11Ab and the housing 10, and detect the open / closed states of the refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa, 11Ab, respectively. The chilled compartment door switch 114 is provided in the chilled compartment 27AA, and detects the open / closed state of the chilled compartment door 11AA. Each of the refrigerator compartment door switches 113a, 113b and the chilled compartment door switch 114 is an example of a "first detection unit."

[0044] Camera 115 is an imaging device that is provided, for example, on the ceiling or side of refrigerator compartment 27A and detects the entry and exit of food into and from refrigerator compartment 27A and chilled compartment 27AA. Camera 115 detects whether food is being entered or taken out by, for example, detecting the direction of food movement. Camera 115 is an example of a "second detection unit." Camera 115 may be provided in chilled compartment 27AA and only detect the entry and exit of food into and from chilled compartment 27AA.

[0045] "Detection values ​​detected by camera 115 (second detection unit)" include, for example, different detection results for food entering or leaving refrigerator compartment 27A and food entering or leaving chilled compartment 27AA. "Detection values ​​detected by camera 115 (second detection unit)" may include different detection results depending on the temperature, surface area, etc. of the food. Camera 115 may be a normal camera having sensitivity characteristics in the visible light region, or an infrared camera having sensitivity characteristics in the infrared light region. The infrared camera is capable of detecting the temperature of the food (e.g., the surface temperature). The "detector that detects the entry and exit of food" is not limited to a camera, but may be an ultrasonic sensor, etc. Also, if the temperature of food is detected by chilled compartment temperature sensor 111, camera 115 may be omitted.

[0046] The storage unit 116 stores programs and various information required for operating the refrigerator 1. The storage unit 116 stores, for example, conversion coefficients used in a control mode described later. These conversion coefficients are coefficients for converting, for example, detection results obtained by various sensors into variables used for temperature control, and are registered in the storage unit 116 in advance.

[0047] Operation panel unit 150 accepts user operations to instruct switching of the set temperature zones and control modes (starting a different control mode) of each storage compartment 27, and displays the settings and the current operating status. Operation panel unit 150 is, for example, a so-called touch-type operation panel unit, and includes a touch sensor constituted by a capacitance switch.

[0048] [First duct part] Fig. 5 is a front view showing in detail the structure of the refrigerator 1 on the side of the refrigeration compartment 27A of the embodiment. Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Fig. 5. 5 and 6, the first duct part 31 is formed in a rectangular shape when viewed from the front with a size sufficient to cover the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a of the refrigerator compartment 27A, and is located behind the multiple shelves 12. The multiple refrigerator compartment cold air outlet 31a, chilled compartment cold air outlet 35b, and cold air return port 35c formed in the duct main body (main body) 311 are offset from the installation positions of the multiple shelves 12 in the vertical direction and are arranged at positions that do not overlap with the shelves 12.

[0049] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the first duct part 31 of the embodiment. Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the first duct part 31 of the embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in Fig. 8.

[0050] 8 and 9, the first duct part 31 of the embodiment has a duct main body 311 and a duct cover (covering member) 312. The duct main body 311 and the duct cover 312 are integrally assembled with each other, and a surface 311k of the duct main body 311 is covered by the duct cover 312.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 8, the first duct part 31 of this embodiment has a plurality of fixing parts 313 that fix the duct main body 311 and the duct cover 312. Four fixing parts 313 are provided on each side in the width direction of the first duct part 31. Note that Fig. 8 shows only four fixing parts on one side.

[0052] In this embodiment, there are eight fixing parts 313 in total, but the number of fixing parts 313 is not limited to this. The number of fixing parts 313 can be changed as appropriate as long as the fixed state between the duct main body 311 and the duct cover 312 can be maintained for a long period of time, but a configuration having at least two fixing parts 313 on each of the top and bottom of both sides in the width direction, for a total of four fixing parts 313, is used. In addition, by providing fixing parts 313 not only at two locations on each of the top and bottom of both sides, but also on both sides in the width direction at the center position in the up-down direction of the first duct part 31, it is possible to suppress bending of the entire duct cover 312.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 7, the shelf 12 installed in the refrigerator compartment 27A has both widthwise ends supported by the first shelf support parts 61 (61a, 61b) shown in FIG. 5, and its rear end side supported by the second shelf support part 62 provided on the surface 31g of the first duct part 31. The fixing part 313 of the first duct part 31 has a height position in the up-down direction that is approximately the same as that of the second shelf support part 62. It is preferable that at least a part of the fixing part 313 overlaps in the front-rear direction with the second shelf support part 62 and the shelf 12 supported by the second shelf support part 62. The fixing part 313 is located behind the second shelf support part 62, i.e., the shelf 12.

[0054] [Duct body] The duct body 311 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin. As shown in FIG. 9, the duct main body 311 has a flat portion 311A, an outer circumferential end portion (hereinafter, main body side outer circumferential end portion 311B), and a protective portion 311C.

[0055] The flat surface portion 311A ​​is a plate-like shape having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and faces parallel to the rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a as shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 9, a plurality of through holes 311a are formed in the flat surface portion 311A, which constitute a plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a in the first duct part 31.

[0056] The main body side outer peripheral end 311B is formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the flat surface portion 311A. Specifically, the main body side outer peripheral end 311B is formed continuously along an upper edge 311c of the flat surface portion 311A ​​of the duct main body 311, a pair of side edges 311d on both sides in the width direction, and a pair of corners 311j located between the upper edge 311c and each side edge 311d. The main body side outer peripheral end 311B is not formed on a lower edge 311g of the flat surface portion 311A.

[0057] The main body side outer peripheral end 311B extends from three sides (upper side 311c, pair of side sides 311d) of the flat portion 311A ​​perpendicularly to the flat portion 311A ​​toward the rear (rear wall 10ad of the inner box 10a). As shown in FIG. 9, the main body side outer peripheral end 311B extends approximately perpendicularly to the flat portion 311A. As shown in FIG. 10, the main body side outer peripheral end 311B has a curved portion 311Ba located at the boundary with the flat portion 311A, and an extending portion 311Bb located behind the curved portion 311Ba. Note that the main body side outer peripheral end 311B is not limited to a structure in which the entirety of the main body side outer peripheral end 311B extends toward the rear, and may have a structure in which at least a portion of the main body side outer peripheral end 311B extends toward the rear.

[0058] 9, the protective portion 311C is formed along the upper side 311c and the pair of edges 311d of the flat portion 311A ​​over the entire circumference of the main body side outer periphery end portion 311B. The protective portion 311C extends vertically from the rear end of the main body side outer periphery end portion 311B (extending portion 311Bb) toward the outside (both sides in the width direction and the upper side) of the duct cover 312, and is a portion parallel to the flat portion 311A.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, when the first duct component 31 is viewed from the front (front side), the protection part 311C protrudes slightly beyond the outer edge of the duct cover 312 and is exposed. As shown in FIG. 10, the protruding length L of the protection part 311C is equal to or greater than the thickness T1 of the duct cover and equal to or less than the thickness T2 of the duct main body part 311. In this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the duct cover is about 0.5 mm, and the thickness T2 of the duct main body part 311 is about 2.5 mm. Therefore, the protruding length L of the protection part 311C is preferably in the range of 0.5 mm < L < 2.5 mm.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 10, the corners at the tip of the protection part 311C are rounded. Specifically, the radius of curvature of the second corner R2 on the rear side is larger and forms a gentler curve than the first corner R1 on the front side of the protection part 311C. In this way, by rounding the corners at the tip of the protection part 311C that protrudes beyond the outer contour of the duct cover 312, it is possible to suppress cleaning tools and catching on hands.

[0061] Also, by making the radius of curvature of the first corner R1 on the front side of the protection part 311C smaller than the radius of curvature of the second corner R2, a protection surface 311n composed of a flat part can be secured, and the rear end surface 312n of the duct cover 312 can be covered from the rear by the protection surface 311n of the protection part 311C.

[0062] At this time, if the radius of curvature of the first corner R1 is increased, the first corner R1 will face the rear end surface 312n of the duct cover 312, and there is a possibility that a larger gap will be generated between the rear end surface 312n and the first corner R1 than when the protection surface 311n faces. Therefore, it is preferable to adjust the size of the radius of curvature of the first corner R1 according to the thickness of the duct cover 312, etc., so that the rear end surface 312n of the duct cover 312 and the protection surface 311n of the protection part 311C of the duct main body part 311 face each other front and back.

[0063] As shown in Fig. 9, the main body side outer peripheral end 311B has a plurality of recesses 311D constituting the above-mentioned fixing portion 313. The plurality of recesses 311D are provided on a pair of side edges 311d on both sides of the flat portion 311A ​​in the width direction of the main body side outer peripheral end 311B. In this embodiment, a total of eight recesses 311D are formed, four on each side. Note that only four on one side are shown in Fig. 9.

[0064] The recesses 311D are formed in the extending portion 311Bb of the main body side outer peripheral end portion 311B, cut forward from the rear end surface of the extending portion 311Bb, and open on both sides in the width direction and on the rear end surface of the extending portion 311Bb. The recesses 311D are formed at intervals in the up-down direction.

[0065] In this embodiment, a heat insulating material 33 is provided on the back surface side of the first duct part 31. As shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the heat insulating material 33 is provided at least on the back surface 31e side of the first duct part 31. As shown in Fig. 5, the heat insulating material 33 has a size slightly smaller than that of the first duct part 31. The heat insulating material 33 has a plurality of through holes 33a penetrating in the thickness direction. These plurality of through holes 33a are formed at positions corresponding to the plurality of refrigerator compartment cold air outlets 31a of the first duct part 31.

[0066] The heat insulating material 33 is a foam heat insulating material such as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) and has high heat insulating properties. The heat insulating material 33 is a heat insulating member having better heat insulating properties per unit thickness than the first duct part 31.

[0067] [Duct cover] The duct cover 312 is formed of a metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, glass, etc. These materials can prevent the duct cover 312 from rusting. As shown in FIG. 9, the duct cover 312 is provided in front of the duct body 311, and has a flat portion 312A and an outer circumferential end portion (hereinafter, referred to as a cover-side outer circumferential end portion 312B).

[0068] The flat surface portion 312A is a plate-like shape having a rectangular shape when viewed from the front, and covers the surface 311k of the duct body 311 as shown in Fig. 9. A plurality of through holes 312a are formed in the flat surface portion 312A, which constitute a plurality of refrigerator compartment cool air outlets 31a in the first duct part 31.

[0069] The cover-side outer peripheral end 312B is formed on a part of the circumferential direction of the flat surface portion 312A. Specifically, the cover-side outer peripheral end 312B is formed continuously along an upper edge 312c of the flat surface portion 312A of the duct cover 312, a pair of side edges 312d on both sides in the width direction, and a pair of corners 312j located between the upper edge 312c and each side edge 312d. The cover-side outer peripheral end 312B is not formed on a lower edge 312g of the flat surface portion 312A.

[0070] The cover side outer peripheral end 312B extends rearward (toward the duct main body 311) from three sides (top side 312c and a pair of side sides 312d) of the flat portion 312A. The cover side outer peripheral end 312B extends approximately perpendicular to the flat portion 312A, as shown in Fig. 10. The cover side outer peripheral end 312B has a curved portion 312Ba located at the boundary with the flat portion 312A in the front-rear direction, and an extending portion 312Bb located rearward of the curved portion 312Ba.

[0071] The duct cover 312 also has a plurality of locking portions 312D which constitute the above-mentioned fixing portion 313. The plurality of locking portions 312D are provided on a pair of side edges 312d on both sides in the width direction of the flat portion 312A of the cover-side outer peripheral end portion 312B. In this embodiment, a total of eight locking portions 312D are formed, four on each side. Note that only four on each side are shown in FIG. 9.

[0072] The locking portion 312D is formed at the rear end of the cover side outer peripheral end 312B, and has a rectangular thin rod portion 312d1 extending rearward from the rear end of the cover side outer peripheral end 312B, and an enlarged portion 312d2 provided at the rear end of the thin rod portion 312d1. In this embodiment, it has a T-shape in a plan view, but the shape of the enlarged portion 312d2 is not limited to the shape shown in the figure and can be changed as appropriate.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 9, before the duct cover 312 is attached to the duct body 311, the engaging portion 312D has the thin rod portion 312d1 and the enlarged portion 312d2 extending straight backward.

[0074] 11 and 12 are diagrams for explaining a method for attaching a duct cover to a duct main body. When attaching the above-mentioned metal duct cover 312 to the resin duct body 311, first, as shown in Fig. 11, the duct cover 312 is placed from the surface 311k (Fig. 9) side of the duct body 311, and the positions of the locking portions 312D of the duct cover 312 and the recesses 311D of the duct body 311 are aligned. At this time, the locking portions 312D of the duct cover 312 are in a state of extending perpendicularly to the flat portion 312A.

[0075] Next, the locking portion 312D of the duct cover 312 is bent in the direction shown by the arrow in Fig. 11 and folded into the recess 311D of the duct body 311 as shown in Fig. 12. At this time, the locking portion 312D is folded so that the thin rod portion 312d1 wraps around onto the bottom surface 311h (Fig. 14) of the recess 311D.

[0076] As a result, the locking portion 312D locks onto a part of the main body side outer circumferential end portion 311B of the duct main body 311. In this embodiment, by thinning the thin rod portion 312d1, which is the bending portion of the locking portion 312D, the locking portion 312D becomes easier to bend during installation work, reducing the workload. In addition, the vertical length of the enlarged portion 312d2 of the locking portion 312D is formed to be slightly shorter than the vertical length of the recess 311D of the duct main body 311.

[0077] 12, in a state where the locking portion 312D is bent into the recess 311D, it is preferable that at least a part of the enlarged portion 312d2 of the locking portion 312D is present in the recess 311D and the upper and lower ends of the enlarged portion 312d2 face the upper and lower inner walls of the recess 311D. As a result, even if the duct cover 312 is vertically displaced relative to the duct main body 311, the enlarged portion 312d2 of the locking portion 312D comes into contact with the inner wall of the recess 311D of the duct main body 311, and rattling of the duct cover 312 relative to the duct main body 311 can be suppressed.

[0078] Fig. 13 is an enlarged view mainly showing the fixing portion 313 of the first duct part 31. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Fig. 13. 13 and 14, the fixing portion 313 of the first duct part 31 is located at the rear of the first duct part 31 and is configured to be difficult to see from the front side of the first duct part 31. The first duct part 31 of this embodiment is provided with a plurality of horizontal ribs (reinforcement portions) 311E around the fixing portion 313, as shown in Figs. 11 and 12.

[0079] Specifically, in this embodiment, a plurality of transverse ribs 311E are provided on the back surface side of the duct body 311. A pair of the transverse ribs 311E is provided for each recess 311D (fixing portion 313). As shown in FIG. 11, the pair of transverse ribs 311E arranged for one recess 311D (fixing portion 313) are provided above and below the recess 311D with a gap therebetween, and both of them protrude perpendicularly to the back surface of the duct body 311 and are formed linearly in the width direction of the duct body 311. One longitudinal end of the pair of transverse ribs 311E is connected to the body-side outer peripheral end 311B of the duct body 311, and the other longitudinal end is connected to the vertical rib 311F extending in the vertical direction of the duct body 311.

[0080] 14, the vertical rib 311F protrudes further rearward than the horizontal rib 311E, but the horizontal rib 311E protrudes further rearward than the fixing portion 313. The rear end surface 311e of the horizontal rib 311E is located forward (flat surface portion 311A) of the rear end surface 311f of the vertical rib 311F, and is substantially aligned with at least the rear end surface 311b of the main body side outer circumferential end portion 311B. The rear end surface 311e of the horizontal rib 311E protrudes rearward at least further rearward than the locking portion 312D (locking portion 312D in a folded state) of the duct cover 312 arranged in the recess 311D of the main body side outer circumferential end portion 311B.

[0081] In this way, the horizontal ribs 311E provided around the fixing portion 313 protrude further rearward than the fixing portion 313 and have a height such that even if the bending of the locking portion 312D at the fixing portion 313 is insufficient and the tip is slightly raised within the recess 311D, it is possible to prevent the user's cleaning tools or hands from touching and getting caught on the tip of the locking portion 312D when removing food or cleaning, etc.

[0082] Further, a pair of vertical ribs 311F formed on both sides in the width direction of the duct main body 311 are each provided with a plurality of claw portions 311G. Only the vertical rib 311F on one side is shown in Figures 11 and 12. A plurality of claw portions 311G are provided at intervals in the up-down direction of each vertical rib 311F, and the heat insulating material 33 is fixed to the back surface side of the duct main body 311 by engaging tips 311i of these claw portions 311G with the rear surface of the heat insulating material 33.

[0083] As described above, duct cover 312 of this embodiment covers surface 311k of duct main body 311 and is exposed to refrigerator compartment 27A. Because duct cover 312 is made of metal, it can make the inside of refrigerator compartment 27A look dazzling when refrigerator compartment doors 11Aa, 11Ab are opened, and can give refrigerator compartment 27A a luxurious feel. In addition, the lighting inside refrigerator compartment 27A is reflected by metal duct cover 312, making the interior brighter and making it easier to check foods and the like stored in the back. Surface 312b of duct cover 312 may be glossy with a mirror finish, or may be matte finished.

[0084] If the outer peripheral edge of such metal duct cover 312 is exposed inside the refrigerator, there is a risk that cleaning tools or hands may get caught thereon, so in this embodiment, when viewed from the front, the outer contour of duct main body 311 slightly protrudes from the outer contour of duct cover 312. As a result, even if the size of duct main body 311 varies slightly due to manufacturing variations, it is possible to protect the outer peripheral edge of duct cover 312 with part of duct main body 311, thereby improving the quality of refrigerator 1.

[0085] Furthermore, since the duct cover 312 is made of metal and has high thermal conductivity, the heat insulating material 33 contributes to suppressing the cold air temperature in the first duct space D1 from being transferred to the duct cover 312. By providing the heat insulating material 33 between the duct cover 312 and the first duct space D1, it is possible to effectively suppress surface condensation (condensation inside the storage unit) of the duct cover 312.

[0086] Furthermore, the shape of the duct body 311 is not limited to the above-mentioned shape. Since the duct body 311 is produced by injection molding, it is preferable that the duct body 311 has a shape that allows it to be reliably and easily removed from a mold.

[0087] FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the outer circumferential end portion on the main body side. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the body-side outer peripheral end 311B of the duct body 311 may have a tapered shape (inclined shape) that widens toward the outside in the planar direction (both widthwise outsides and upward) along the flat surface 311A ​​as it moves rearward. For example, the taper angle θ of the body-side outer peripheral end 311B with respect to the direction perpendicular to the flat surface 311A ​​is preferably about 1.5°. This makes it possible to improve the releasability of the body-side outer peripheral end 311B, which is a molded product.

[0088] In this embodiment, a plurality of lateral ribs 311E are provided around each fixing portion 313. By providing the lateral ribs 311E, even if the locking portion 312D of the fixing portion 313 is not bent properly, it is possible to prevent the edge of the locking portion 312D from coming into contact with a hand or the like. In this embodiment, multiple horizontal ribs 311E are provided on the back side of the duct main body 311, but the structure is not limited to this. For example, a horizontal rib protruding rearward from the fixed portion 313 (the bent locking portion 312D) may be provided on the duct cover 312. The rib shape is not limited to the horizontal rib, and can be appropriately changed as long as it has a structure protruding rearward from the fixed portion 313. In addition, multiple ribs corresponding to each fixed portion 313 may be provided on both the duct main body 311 and the duct cover 312. In addition, the rib structure provided around the fixed portion 313 is not limited to the above-mentioned structure. In other words, it is not limited to the horizontal rib extending linearly along the width direction, and may be a curved rib, a columnar rib, or the like.

[0089] In this embodiment, the multiple fixing parts 313 of the first duct part 31 are provided behind the multiple shelves 12 installed in the refrigerator compartment 27A, so that when the first duct part 31 is viewed from the front side, these fixing parts 313 are not in the user's line of sight, making the interior look neat. Also, by providing the fixing parts 313 behind the shelves 12, it becomes more difficult for the user to touch the fixing parts 313, preventing injury. This provides a refrigerator 1 that is easy to use.

[0090] As shown in Fig. 9, a through hole 312e for exposing the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 (Fig. 5) is formed in the lower part of the duct cover 312. Similarly, a through hole (not shown in Fig. 9) communicating with the through hole 312e on the duct cover 312 side is formed in the lower part of the duct main body 311. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 110 is exposed in the refrigerator compartment 27A through each through hole provided in the duct cover 312 and the duct main body 311. The through holes provided in the duct cover 312 and the duct main body 311 also function as positioning when attaching them to the housing 10 (inner box 10a), making the assembly work easy.

[0091] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the above-mentioned 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 in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims, as well as in the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0092] For example, there is no particular limitation on the color of duct main body 311, but by selecting a color similar to that of duct cover 312, duct main body 311 becomes less noticeable within refrigerator compartment 27A, and the texture of duct cover 312 can give a more luxurious feel. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1...refrigerator, 10...casing, 12...shelf, 15...cooling section, 27...storage chamber (storage section), 31...first duct part (cold air passage part), 31g...surface of first duct part, 311k...surface of duct main body part, 312b...surface of duct cover, 311...duct main body part (main body part), 311b...rear end surface of outer periphery end part on main body side, 311e...rear end surface of horizontal rib, 311f...rear end surface of vertical rib, 312n...rear end surface of duct cover, 311j...corner part of duct main body part, 312j ...corner of duct cover, 311B...outer periphery end portion on main body side (outer periphery end portion), 311C...protective portion, 311E...horizontal rib (reinforcement portion), 311G...claw portion, 312...duct cover (covering member), 312B...cover side outer periphery end portion (outer periphery end portion), 313...fixing portion, D1...first duct space (cold air passage), L...protruding length (length) of protective portion, R1...first corner portion on the front side of protective portion, R2...second corner portion on the rear side of protective portion, T1...thickness of duct cover, T2...thickness of duct main body portion

Claims

1. a housing having a reservoir; A cooling unit that cools the storage unit; a plurality of shelves removably disposed relative to the storage portion; the housing has a cold air passage component that configures a cold air passage that guides the cold air generated in the cooling unit to the storage unit, The cold air passage component comprises: A main body portion, A cover member provided in front of the main body portion; a protective portion on at least a part of an outer peripheral end of the main body, the protective portion protruding outward beyond the outer peripheral end of the cover member when the cold air passage component is viewed from the front; Equipped with A fixing portion between the main body and the cover member is provided rearward of the shelf, At least a portion of the fixing portion overlaps with the shelf in the front-rear direction, the fixing portion is configured such that a locking portion formed on the cover member is locked to a recess formed on the cold air passage component, The recess is formed by cutting out a rear end surface of the protection portion toward the front. refrigerator.

2. The protruding length of the protective portion is equal to or greater than the thickness of the cover member and equal to or less than the thickness of the cold air passage component.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. At least a part of the outer peripheral end of the cover member extends toward the main body portion, and a rear end surface of the cover member is covered by the protective portion of the main body portion.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. At least one of the main body portion and the cover member has a reinforcing portion around the fixing portion. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The reinforcing portion extends rearward beyond the fixing portion.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 4.

6. The covering member is made of a material with high thermal conductivity. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The entire outer peripheral end of the main body protrudes outward beyond the outer peripheral end of the cover member. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The protective portion has a first corner portion on the cover member side and a second corner portion on the opposite side to the cover member in the front-rear direction, The second corner portion has a larger radius of curvature than the first corner portion. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. At least a part of the outer circumferential end of the main body portion extends from the front toward the rear. A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The outer peripheral end portion of the main body portion has an inclined shape that widens outward as it moves from the front to the rear. The refrigerator according to claim 9.

Images