Refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of executing more appropriate cooling.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises: a first storage chamber; a second storage chamber; a cooling chamber housing a cooler; a first passage that returns at least part of cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber; and a second passage that is provided separately from the first passage, and guides at least part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Refrigerators have been proposed that include a plurality of switching chambers, each of which is a storage chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber. In such a refrigerator, when the switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler with the damper corresponding to the switching chamber closed, and the switching chamber is cooled by the cold of the cooler. Further, in such a refrigerator, since the temperature zones set between adjacent storage chambers can be different, the spaces between adjacent storage chambers are insulated. Thus, since the cooling of each storage chamber is performed independently for each storage chamber, there has been no way to shorten the time required for cooling each storage chamber (hereinafter referred to as "cooling time") other than increasing the cooling intensity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of realizing more appropriate cooling.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator according to the embodiment includes a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a cooling chamber that houses a cooler, a first passage that returns at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber, a second passage that is provided separately from the first passage and guides at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, An opening / closing device capable of opening and closing the second passage, and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing device and is provided with. The first storage chamber can switch the set temperature range between a refrigerating temperature range and a freezing temperature range. When a predetermined condition including that the set temperature range of the first storage chamber is the same temperature range as the temperature range in which the second storage chamber is cooled among the refrigerating temperature range and the freezing temperature range is satisfied, the control unit controls the opening / closing device to open the second passage.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0007] Hereinafter, the refrigerator according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Hereinafter, the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to configurations having the same or similar functions. And the overlapping descriptions of those configurations may be omitted. In this specification, the left and right are defined based on the direction in which the user standing in front of the refrigerator views the refrigerator. Also, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front", and the side farther away is defined as "rear".

[0009] In this specification, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX", and includes cases where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Also, "based on XX" is not limited to the case of directly using XX, and includes cases where it is based on something obtained by performing calculations or processing on XX. In this specification, "YY1 or YY2" is not limited to the case where only "YY1" exists or only "YY2" exists, and includes the case where both "YY1" and "YY2" exist. This is the same for the case where there are three or more elements connected by "or". In this specification, "at least one of ZZ1 and ZZ2" is not limited to the case where both "ZZ1" and "ZZ2" exist as a premise, and includes the case where only "ZZ1" exists or only "ZZ2" exists. "XX", "YY1", "YY2", "ZZ1", and "ZZ2" are each an arbitrary element (for example, arbitrary information, function, or configuration).

[0010] In this specification, "when a predetermined condition is satisfied, open (or close) the damper" is not limited to the case of opening (or closing) the damper at the moment when the predetermined condition is established, and includes the case of opening (or closing) the damper at any timing while the predetermined condition is established.

[0011] Also, in this specification, "close damper A and open damper B" is not limited to the case where the timing of closing damper A and the timing of opening damper B are the same, and includes cases such as opening damper B after closing damper A, or closing damper A after opening damper B. "Damper A" and "damper B" are, for example, any damper among the first damper 71 and the second damper 72 described later.

[0012] (First Embodiment) [1. Overall Configuration of Refrigerator] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line F2-F2 of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 20, a plurality of shelves 30, a plurality of containers 40, a flow path forming component 50, a cooling unit 60, and a control board 100.

[0013] The housing 10 has an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, left and right side walls 13, 14, and a rear wall 15. The upper wall 11 and the lower wall 12 extend substantially horizontally. The left and right side walls 13, 14 stand up upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 12 and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 11. The rear wall 15 stands up upward from the rear end of the lower wall 12 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 11.

[0014] The housing 10 has, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a heat insulating portion 10c (see FIG. 2). 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. A heat insulating portion 10c containing a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam is provided between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

[0015] Inside the housing 10, a plurality of storage chambers 17, a first cooling chamber 18A, and a second cooling chamber 18B are provided. The plurality of storage chambers 17 include, for example, a refrigerating chamber 17A, an ice-making chamber 17B, a small freezing chamber 17C, a first switching chamber 17D, and a second switching chamber 17E. In the present embodiment, the refrigerating chamber 17A is arranged at the uppermost part, the first switching chamber 17D is arranged below the refrigerating chamber 17A, the ice-making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C are arranged below the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E is arranged below the ice-making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C. However, the arrangement of the storage chambers 17 is not limited to the above example. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage chamber 17 that enables the entry and exit of food ingredients into and from each storage chamber 17.

[0016] The first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E can each be independently switched in use between a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and a frozen temperature zone chamber, for example. The refrigerated temperature zone chamber is, for example, a storage chamber in which the central temperature of the set temperature zone described later is between -3°C and +7°C. The refrigerated temperature zone chamber is a so-called refrigerating chamber, a chilled chamber, or a vegetable chamber, etc. Further, in the present embodiment, when each of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber, the use can be switched between a refrigerating chamber, a chilled chamber, and a vegetable chamber by switching the set temperature zone. This will be described in detail later. On the other hand, the frozen temperature zone chamber is, for example, a storage chamber in which the central temperature of the set temperature zone is -10°C or lower (for example, -18°C or lower). The frozen temperature zone chamber is a so-called freezing chamber.

[0017] The first cooling chamber 18A is a space provided behind the refrigerating chamber 17A. The first cooling chamber 18A houses a first cooler 81 and a first blower 82, which will be described later. On the other hand, the second cooling chamber 18B is a space provided behind the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E. The second cooling chamber 18B houses a second cooler 83 and a second blower 84, which will be described later. Note that the first cooling chamber 18A and the second cooling chamber 18B will be described in detail later.

[0018] The housing 10 has a first partition portion 19A, a second partition portion 19B, and a third partition portion 19C. The first partition portion 19A, the second partition portion 19B, and the third partition portion 19C are, for example, partition walls each extending substantially in the horizontal direction. The first partition portion 19A is located between the refrigerator compartment 17A and the first switching compartment 17D, and partitions between the refrigerator compartment 17A and the first switching compartment 17D. The second partition portion 19B is located between the first switching compartment 17D and the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C, and partitions between the first switching compartment 17D and the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C. The third partition portion 19C is located between the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C and the second switching compartment 17E, and partitions between the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C and the second switching compartment 17E. Each of the first partition portion 19A, the second partition portion 19B, and the third partition portion 19C includes, for example, a foamed heat insulating material and has heat insulating properties.

[0019] The openings of the plurality of storage compartments 17 are closably closed by a plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice-making compartment door 20B that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 17B, a small freezer compartment door 20C that closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching compartment door 20D that closes the opening of the first switching compartment 17D, and a second switching compartment door 20E that closes the opening of the second switching compartment 17E.

[0020] The plurality of shelves 30 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A. The plurality of containers 40 include a chilled compartment container 40A provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) provided in the ice-making compartment 17B, a small freezer compartment container 40C provided in the small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching compartment container 40Da and a second switching compartment container 40Db provided in the first switching compartment 17D, and a third switching compartment container 40Ea and a fourth switching compartment container 40Eb provided in the second switching compartment 17E.

[0021] The flow path forming component 50 is disposed within the housing 10. The flow path forming component 50 includes a first duct component (first cooler cover) 51 and a second duct component (second cooler cover) 52.

[0022] The first duct component 51 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction. The first duct component 51 extends, for example, from the rear of the lower end of the refrigerating chamber 17A to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerating chamber 17A. A first cooling chamber 18A is formed between the first duct component 51 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct component 51 has a cold air outlet 51a and a cold air return port 51b. The cold air outlet 51a opens into the refrigerating chamber 17A. The cold air (air) flowing through the first cooling chamber 18A is blown out from the cold air outlet 51a into the refrigerating chamber 17A. The cold air return port 51b opens, for example, at the lower end of the refrigerating chamber 17A. The cold air that has passed through the refrigerating chamber 17A returns from the cold air return port 51b to the first cooling chamber 18A.

[0023] The second duct component 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction. The second duct component 52 extends, for example, from the rear of the first switching chamber 17D to the rear of the second switching chamber 17E. A second cooling chamber 18B is formed between the second duct component 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct component 52 has a plurality of cold air outlets 52a and a plurality of cold air return ports 52b (see FIG. 2). The plurality of cold air outlets 52a includes a first cold air outlet 52aa that opens into the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air outlet 52ab that opens into the second switching chamber 17E, and a third cold air outlet 52ac that opens into the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C. The plurality of cold air return ports 52b includes a first cold air return port 52ba (see FIG. 2) that opens into the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air return port 52bb (see FIG. 2) that opens into the second switching chamber 17E, and a third cold air return port 52bc (see FIG. 2) that opens into the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C.

[0024] When the first damper 71 described later is opened, the cold air (air) flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the first cold air outlet 52aa into the first switching chamber 17D. The cold air blown into the first switching chamber 17D returns to the second cooling chamber 18B through the first cold air return port 52ba. When the second damper 72 described later is opened, for example, the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the second cold air outlet 52ab into the second switching chamber 17E. The cold air blown into the second switching chamber 17E returns to the second cooling chamber 18B through the second cold air return port 52bb. When the third damper 73 described later is opened, the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the third cold air outlet 52ac into the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C. The cold air blown into the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C returns to the second cooling chamber 18B through the third cold air return port 52bc and a cold air flow path (not shown).

[0025] When the first adjustment damper 211 described later is opened, the cold air in the first switching chamber 17D and the cold air in the ice making chamber 17B can flow back and forth between the first switching chamber 17D and the ice making chamber 17B through the first communication portion 210. When the second adjustment damper 221 described later is opened, the cold air in the first switching chamber 17D and the cold air in the small freezing chamber 17C can flow back and forth between the first switching chamber 17D and the small freezing chamber 17C through the second communication portion 220.

[0026] When the third adjustment damper 231 described later is opened, the cold air in the second switching chamber 17E and the cold air in the ice making chamber 17B can flow back and forth between the second switching chamber 17E and the ice making chamber 17B through the third communication portion 230. When the fourth adjustment damper 241 described later is opened, the cold air in the second switching chamber 17E and the cold air in the small freezing chamber 17C can flow back and forth between the second switching chamber E and the small freezing chamber 17C through the fourth communication portion 240.

[0027] The cooling unit 60 cools a plurality of storage chambers 17 (refrigerator compartment 17A, ice-making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E). The cooling unit 60 includes, for example, a first cooling module 61, a second cooling module 62, first to third dampers 71, 72, 73, a compressor 75, and a refrigeration cycle device 76 (see FIG. 3).

[0028] The first cooling module 61 includes, for example, a first cooler (first evaporator) 81 and a first blower 82. The first cooler 81 and the first blower 82 are disposed in the first cooling chamber 18A. The first cooler 81 is supplied with liquid refrigerant by the refrigeration cycle device 76 described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the first cooling chamber 18A by the latent heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the first blower 82 is driven, the cold air in the refrigerator compartment 17A flows into the first cooling chamber 18A from the cold air return port 51b. The cold air that has flowed into the first cooling chamber 18A is cooled by the first cooler 81. The cold air cooled by the first cooler 81 is blown out from the cold air outlet 51a into the refrigerator compartment 17A. Thereby, the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 17A is circulated in the refrigerator 1, and the refrigerator compartment 17A is cooled.

[0029] The second cooling module 62 includes, for example, a second cooler (second evaporator) 83 and a second blower 84. The second cooler 83 and the second blower 84 are disposed in the second cooling chamber 18B. The second cooler 83 is supplied with a liquid refrigerant by a refrigeration cycle device 76 described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B by the vaporization heat of the liquid refrigerant. When the second blower 84 is driven, the cold air in the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, or the second switching chamber 17E flows into the second cooling chamber 18B from the corresponding first to third cold air return ports 52ba, 52bb, 52bc. The air flowing into the second cooling chamber 18B is cooled by the second cooler 83. The cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 flows into the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E from the first to third cold air outlets 52aa, 52aab, 52ac. Thereby, the cold air flowing through the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E is circulated in the refrigerator 1, and the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E are cooled.

[0030] The first damper 71 is provided between the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B. The first damper 71 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D, for example, by opening and closing the first cold air outlet 52aa. For example, when the first damper 71 is opened, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D. On the other hand, when the first damper 71 is closed, the connection between the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B is blocked, and cold air is not supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D.

[0031] The second damper 72 is provided between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B. The second damper 72 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E, for example, by opening and closing the second cold air outlet 52ab. For example, when the second damper 72 is opened, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E. On the other hand, when the second damper 72 is closed, the connection between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B is blocked, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E.

[0032] The third damper 73 is provided between the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B. The third damper 73 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C, for example, by opening and closing the third cold air outlet 52ac. For example, when the third damper 73 is opened, the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C. On the other hand, when the third damper 73 is closed, the connection between the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B is blocked, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C.

[0033] The first damper 71 includes, for example, a first flap (not shown) that covers the first cold air outlet 52aa and a first drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the first flap. The first drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The first drive mechanism opens the first cold air outlet 52aa, for example, by rotating or sliding the first flap.

[0034] The second damper 72 includes, for example, a second flap (not shown) that covers the second cold air outlet 52ab and a second drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the second flap. The second drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The second drive mechanism opens the second cold air outlet 52ab, for example, by rotating or sliding the second flap.

[0035] The third damper 73 has, for example, a third flap (not shown) that covers the third cold air outlet 52ac, and a third drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the third flap. The third drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The third drive mechanism opens the third cold air outlet 52ac by, for example, rotating or sliding the third flap.

[0036] The first adjustment damper 211 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the first communication portion 210, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the first communication portion 210 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The first adjustment damper 211 may be provided on the ice making chamber 17B side.

[0037] The second adjustment damper 221 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the second communication portion 220, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the second communication portion 220 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The second adjustment damper 221 may be provided on the small freezing chamber 17C side.

[0038] The third adjustment damper 231 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the third communication portion 230, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the third communication portion 230 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The third adjustment damper 231 may be provided on the ice making chamber 17B side.

[0039] The fourth adjustment damper 241 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the fourth communication portion 240 and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or a solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the fourth communication portion 240, for example, by rotating or sliding the flap. The fourth adjustment damper 241 may be provided on the small freezer compartment 17C side.

[0040] The compressor 75 (see FIG. 2) is provided, for example, in the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1. The compressor 75 compresses the gas refrigerant used for cooling the storage compartment 17 and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the first cooler 81 and the second cooler 83 via a condenser 91 and the like described later.

[0041] The control board 100 (see FIG. 1) is provided, for example, on the upper wall 11 of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the upper surface of the upper wall 11 of the housing 10 has a recess that is recessed downward. The control board 100 is disposed in the recess. The control board 100 has a control unit 100a (see FIG. 4) constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. The control unit 100a controls the entire refrigerator 1. The control unit 100a will be described in detail later.

[0042] [2. Refrigeration cycle device] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 76. The refrigeration cycle device 76 includes a condenser 91, a drier 92, a three-way valve 93, capillary tubes 94A, 94B, suction pipes 95A, 95B, and a check valve 96. These components are connected annularly in the order of the refrigerant flow: the compressor 75, the condenser 91, the drier 92, the three-way valve 93, the capillary tubes 94A, 94B, the coolers 81, 83, and the suction pipes 95A, 95B. Specifically, the condenser 91 and the drier 92 are connected in order to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 75. A three-way valve 93 is connected to the discharge side of the drier 92. The three-way valve 93 has one inlet to which the drier 92 is connected and two outlets.

[0043] Of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93, one outlet is connected in sequence with a first capillary tube 94A and a first cooler 81. The first cooler 81 is connected to the compressor 75 via a first suction pipe 95A which is a connecting pipe. Of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93, the other outlet is connected in sequence with a second capillary tube 94B and a second cooler 83. The second cooler 83 is connected to the compressor 75 via a second suction pipe 95B which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 96 is provided between the second cooler 83 and the compressor 75 to prevent the refrigerant from the first cooler 81 from flowing backward to the second cooler 83 side.

[0044] Next, the flow of the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 76 will be described. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 76 is compressed by the compressor 75 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant and flows through flow path A. This gas refrigerant is cooled by the condenser 91 to become a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. Then, the liquid refrigerant from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed by passing through the drier 92 enters the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) while being throttled and controlled by the three-way valve 93. At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) is depressurized while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B). Then, the depressurized liquid refrigerant evaporates while passing through the first cooler 81 (or the second cooler 83), thereby cooling the first cooler 81 (or the second cooler 83).

[0045] Thereafter, the low-temperature and low-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the first-section pipe 95A (or the second-section pipe 95B). The temperature of the gas refrigerant immediately after flowing into the first-section pipe 95A (or the second-section pipe 95B) is as low as around -10°C. While passing through the first-section pipe 95A (or the second-section pipe 95B), this gas refrigerant exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) and is finally heated up to around room temperature. Then, this gas refrigerant is inhaled by the compressor 75 again, and the circulation of the refrigerant is completed.

[0046] In the refrigeration cycle device 76 described above, the three-way valve 93 is controlled by the control unit 100a to select, for example, one or both of the flow path B and the flow path C. The flow path B is a flow path for supplying the refrigerant to the first cooler 81. The flow path C is a flow path for supplying the refrigerant to the second cooler 83. These two flow paths B and C merge at the confluence point D. The refrigerant flows from the confluence point D in the direction of the arrow E and returns to the compressor 75. In the present embodiment, when at least one of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber, the second cooler 83 is supplied with a liquid refrigerant in an amount and at a temperature suitable for cooling the refrigerated temperature zone chamber.

[0047] [3. Control] [3.1 Functional Configuration Regarding Control] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100a is electrically connected to the operation panel unit 111, the storage unit 112, the refrigerating chamber temperature sensor 113, the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114, the second switching chamber temperature sensor 115, the first damper 71, the second damper 72, the first blower 82, the second blower 84, the compressor 75, the three-way valve 93, the first adjustment damper 211, the second adjustment damper 221, the third adjustment damper 231, and the fourth adjustment damper 241.

[0048] The operation panel unit 111 is realized by, for example, buttons, dials, or a capacitive touch sensor, etc., and accepts a user's operation related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the operation panel unit 111 is provided on the outside of the door 20 of the refrigerator. For example, the operation panel unit 111 accepts a user's operation to switch each of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E between the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the freezing temperature zone chamber.

[0049] For example, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber by operating the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "refrigerating operation mode". For example, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the operation panel unit 111 may be configured to be able to accept a selection of any one of "strong refrigerating setting", "medium refrigerating setting", and "weak refrigerating setting" as the operation mode of the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. The central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "strong refrigerating setting" is lower than the central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigerating setting". The central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigerating setting" is lower than the central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "weak refrigerating setting".

[0050] For example, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a so-called "refrigerator compartment" by operating the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "medium refrigerating setting" or the "strong refrigerating setting". On the other hand, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a so-called "vegetable compartment" by operating the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "weak refrigerating setting". Note that when the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "strong refrigerating setting", the first switching chamber 17D may be used as a so-called "chilled compartment".

[0051] On the one hand, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a freezing temperature zone chamber (so-called "freezer") by operating the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "freezing operation mode". For example, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber, the operation panel unit 111 may be configured to accept any selection of "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting" as the operation mode of the freezing temperature zone chamber. The central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "strong freezing setting" is lower than the central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium freezing setting". The central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium freezing mode" is lower than the central temperature of the set temperature zone of the "weak freezing setting".

[0052] Similarly, the operation panel unit 111 accepts the user's operation to switch the second switching chamber 17E between a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber. Note that the content regarding the switching of the operation mode of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as the content regarding the switching of the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, for the description of the second switching chamber 17E, "the first switching chamber 17D" may be read as "the second switching chamber 17E" in the above description of the first switching chamber 17D. In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, each of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E can be set to an arbitrary storage chamber selected from a refrigerator chamber, a freezer chamber, a vegetable chamber, etc. according to the user's preference.

[0053] The storage unit 112 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores information necessary for the operation of the refrigerator 1. In the storage unit 112, for example, the control amounts and driving timings of the first damper 71, the second damper 72, the first adjustment damper 211, the second adjustment damper 221, the third adjustment damper 231, the fourth adjustment damper 241, the first blower 82, the second blower 84, and the compressor 75 in various operation modes are stored.

[0054] The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A and detects the air temperature of the refrigerator compartment 17A. The first switching compartment temperature sensor 114 is provided in the first switching compartment 17D and detects the air temperature of the first switching compartment 17D. The second switching compartment temperature sensor 115 is provided in the second switching compartment 17E and detects the air temperature of the second switching compartment 17E.

[0055] [3.2 Temperature management of the refrigerator] Next, the temperature management of the refrigerator 1 will be described. Here, the temperature management regarding the first switching compartment 17D will be described as a representative.

[0056] The control unit 100a monitors the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D (for example, the temperature detected by the first switching compartment temperature sensor 114), and based on the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D, performs cooling control of the first switching compartment 17D. Specifically, in the first switching compartment 17D, a set temperature range corresponding to each operation mode is set. For example, when the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D rises to the upper limit value of the set temperature range, the control unit 100a starts cooling the first switching compartment 17D.

[0057] On the other hand, for example, when the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D drops to the lower limit value (cooling target temperature) of the set temperature range, the control unit 100a ends (stops) the cooling of the first switching compartment 17D. By repeating the above operations, the control unit 100a maintains the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D within the set temperature range. In addition, instead of / in addition to the above control, when the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the first switching compartment 17D exceeds a preset time, the control unit 100a may restart the cooling of the first switching compartment 17D without waiting for the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D to reach the upper limit value of the set temperature range.

[0058] The basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as that of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, for the description of the basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E, in the description of the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D described above, read "the first switching chamber 17D" as "the second switching chamber 17E", and read "the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D (for example, the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114)" as "the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E (for example, the temperature detected by the second switching chamber temperature sensor 115)".

[0059] [3.3 Set temperature range] Next, the "set temperature range" will be described. The "set temperature range" means the temperature range in which the air temperature of the storage chamber 17 to be temperature-controlled is maintained in each of the refrigeration operation mode and the freezing operation mode. The "set temperature range" means the temperature range defined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value.

[0060] In the present embodiment, as described above, "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting" are provided as the operation modes of the refrigeration temperature zone chamber. The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the "strong refrigeration setting" are respectively lower than the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting". The upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the "weak refrigeration setting" are respectively higher than the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting".

[0061] When the "strong refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a performs at least one of setting a higher control amount (for example, the operating frequency) of the compressor 75 and setting a higher control amount (for example, the rotation speed) of the second blower 84 compared to the case where the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected. On the other hand, when the "weak refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a performs at least one of setting a lower control amount (for example, the operating frequency) of the compressor 75 and setting a lower control amount (for example, the rotation speed) of the second blower 84 compared to the case where the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected.

[0062] The same applies to the "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting", which are the operating modes of the refrigerated temperature zone chamber. Note that when conflicting settings are made for the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84, such as when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting" and the second switching chamber 17E is set to the "strong refrigeration setting", the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 may be determined according to a preset rule (such as giving priority to the "refrigeration operation mode" or giving priority to the "freezing operation mode").

[0063] Note that the control amounts of the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 in the "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting", which are the operating modes of the refrigerated temperature zone chamber, may be the same as each other. Also, the control amounts of the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 in the "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting", which are the operating modes of the frozen temperature zone chamber, may be the same as each other. Further, the control amounts of the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 in the operating mode of the refrigerated temperature zone chamber and the operating mode of the frozen temperature zone chamber may be the same as each other.

[0064] [3.4 Control Mode] Next, some control modes that the control unit 100a can execute will be described. Here, the "normal cooling control" and the "special cooling control" will be described. The "special cooling control" is a control that can shorten the cooling time of the adjacent ice-making chamber 17B or small freezing chamber 17C (hereinafter referred to as the "adjacent chamber") by controlling the temperatures of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E without changing the temperature zone setting of the adjacent chamber. Note that in the present embodiment, the ice-making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C are the adjacent chambers.

[0065] [3.4.1 Normal Cooling Control] First, the normal cooling control will be described. In the normal cooling control, when the temperatures of the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E are each near the lower limit value of their respective set temperature ranges, the first damper 71, the second damper 72, and the third damper 73 are closed, and the driving of the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 is also stopped.

[0066] On the other hand, when any of the temperatures of the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit value of the set temperature range, the damper corresponding to the storage chamber 17 that has reached the upper limit value is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. As a result, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 and flows into the storage chamber 17. Thereby, the cooling of the storage chamber 17 whose temperature has reached the set temperature range is performed.

[0067] Note that the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 may be driven even when the first damper 71, the second damper 72, and the third damper 73 are closed. As a result, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold heat of the second cooler 83 is transmitted to the adjacent storage chamber 17 by heat conduction. In this way, the storage chamber 17 adjacent to the second cooler 83 may be directly cooled by the cold heat of the second cooler 83. For example, in the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, the ice-making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, and the second switching chamber 17E can be directly cooled by the heat conduction of the cold heat of the second cooler 83. In this case, the control unit 100a may drive the compressor 75 with the second blower 84 stopped.

[0068] [3.4.2 Special Cooling Control] Next, the special cooling control will be described. As described above, the special cooling control is a control mode capable of shortening the cooling time of the adjacent chamber without changing the temperature zone setting of the adjacent chamber. Specifically, the special cooling control is a control mode that promotes the cooling of the adjacent chamber by opening the adjustment damper under predetermined conditions and supplying the cold air in the switching chamber 17D to the adjacent chamber. Even during the implementation of the special cooling control, the temperature control of each storage chamber 17 is basically carried out in accordance with the normal cooling control. Therefore, in other words, the special cooling control can be said to be a process of controlling the opening and closing of the adjustment damper during the implementation of the normal cooling control. The details of the special cooling control will be described below.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of the special cooling control. The series of processes shown in this flowchart may be executed in the same thread as the normal cooling control or in a thread different from the normal cooling control. Also, when the series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed in the same thread as the normal cooling control, the series of processes may be executed at a predetermined timing within the normal cooling control or may be executed as an interrupt process that interrupts the normal cooling control triggered by a predetermined event.

[0070] In this flowchart, first, the control unit 100a determines whether the current control mode is the normal cooling control or the special cooling control (step S101). For example, on the operation panel unit 111, a setting screen for receiving an input of an operation for setting the control mode to either the normal cooling control or the special cooling control is displayed, and whichever control mode is selected by the user is recorded in the storage unit 112 as a set value. In this case, the control unit 100a can identify the current control mode by referring to the set value recorded in the storage unit 112.

[0071] In step S101, when it is determined that the current control mode is special cooling control (step S101: special cooling control), the control unit 100a acquires the set values of the set temperature ranges set in the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E (step S102). Note that, similar to the set values of the control mode, the set values of the set temperature ranges are also recorded in the storage unit 112 in response to the input of a setting operation by the user. Based on the acquired set values of the set temperature ranges, the control unit 100a determines whether the set temperature range of at least one of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is a refrigeration temperature range (step S103).

[0072] In step S103, when it is determined that the set temperature ranges of both the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E are not refrigeration temperature ranges (step S103 - NO), the control unit 100a returns the process to step S101 without controlling the adjustment dampers described later. On the other hand, in step S103, when it is determined that the set temperature range of at least one of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is a refrigeration temperature range (step S103 - YES), the control unit 100a determines the adjustment damper to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as the "target damper") among the first adjustment damper 211, the second adjustment damper 221, the third adjustment damper 231, and the fourth adjustment damper 241 based on the set temperature ranges of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber (step S104). The control unit 100a opens the adjustment damper determined as the target damper (step S105) and returns the process to step S101.

[0073] On the other hand, in step S101, when it is determined that the current control mode is normal cooling control (step S101: normal cooling control), the control unit 100a closes all of the first adjustment damper 211, the second adjustment damper 221, the third adjustment damper 231, and the fourth adjustment damper 241 (step S106) and returns the process to step S101.

[0074] Specifically, the control unit 100a determines the adjustment damper corresponding to the switching chamber 17 in which the set temperature range is set to the refrigeration temperature range as the target damper. For example, in the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, when the set temperature range of the first switching chamber 17D is the refrigeration temperature range, the control unit 100a determines the first adjustment damper 211 and the second adjustment damper 221 as the target dampers. Similarly, when the set temperature range of the second switching chamber 17E is the refrigeration temperature range, the control unit 100a determines the third adjustment damper 231 and the fourth adjustment damper 241 as the target dampers.

[0075] Note that the control unit 100a may be configured to close the adjustment damper opened in step S105 when the temperature of the adjacent chamber reaches a predetermined temperature within the set temperature range after opening the target damper in step S105. For example, the control unit 100a may close the target damper when the temperature of the adjacent chamber reaches the lower limit value of the set temperature range.

[0076] According to the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above, by controlling the opening and closing of the adjustment damper according to the set temperature ranges of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E, it is possible to supply the cold air of the first switching chamber 17D or the second switching chamber 17E to the adjacent chamber. Thereby, it becomes possible to shorten the cooling time of the adjacent chamber without changing the setting of the temperature range of the adjacent chamber. For example, according to the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, the time required for ice making can be shortened without changing the set temperature range of the ice making chamber 17B.

[0077] <Modification Example> The control unit 100a may determine the target damper according to the operation mode of the refrigeration temperature range. For example, the control unit 100a may determine the adjustment damper corresponding to the switching chamber 17 in which "strong refrigeration setting" or "medium refrigeration setting" is set as the operation mode of the refrigeration temperature range chamber as the target damper. According to such a configuration, since the timing of opening the adjustment damper can be controlled more finely, the convenience of special cooling control can be improved.

[0078] In addition to the set temperature range of the switching chamber 17, the control unit 100a may determine the target damper based on the temperature of the adjacent chamber. For example, when the set temperature range of the first switching chamber 17D is the refrigeration temperature range and the temperature of the ice making chamber 17B (or the small refrigeration chamber 17C) is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit value, the control unit 100a may determine the first adjustment damper 211 (or the second adjustment damper 221) as the target damper. Similarly, when the set temperature range of the second switching chamber 17E is the refrigeration temperature range and the temperature of the ice making chamber 17B (or the small refrigeration chamber 17C) is equal to or higher than a predetermined upper limit value, the control unit 100a may determine the third adjustment damper 231 (or the fourth adjustment damper 241) as the target damper. According to such a configuration, since the adjustment damper is opened only when cooling of the adjacent chamber is necessary, unnecessary temperature interference between the switching chamber 17 and the adjacent chamber can be suppressed. Further, according to such a configuration, since the frequency of driving the adjustment damper can be reduced, it is possible to suppress the consumption of the adjustment damper.

[0079] (Second Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a front view showing a configuration example of the refrigerator 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of the refrigerator 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line F2 - F2 of the refrigerator 1b shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the refrigerator 1b is different from the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include the first communication portion 210, the second communication portion 220, the third communication portion 230, the fourth communication portion 240, the first adjustment damper 211, the second adjustment damper 221, the third adjustment damper 231, and the fourth adjustment damper 241. Further, the refrigerator 1b is different from the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes a housing 10d instead of the housing 10, and further includes a vacuum pump 261, opening and closing portions 262a and 262b. Other configurations of the refrigerator 1b are the same as those of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. In FIGS. 6 and 7, for the configurations similar to those of the refrigerator 1 in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2 are used, and the descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0080] The housing 10d is different from the housing 10 in the first embodiment in that it includes a second partition portion 19D and a third partition portion 19E instead of the second partition portion 19B and the third partition portion 19C. While the second partition portion 19B and the third partition portion 19C have a heat insulating material inside, the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are configured to be hollow inside. The second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are provided with air vents for sending air into the interior or extracting air from the interior, and the intake ports of the vacuum pump 261 are connected to the respective air vents.

[0081] The vacuum pump 261 evacuates the air inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E, thereby reducing the pressure inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E. By controlling the operation of the vacuum pump 261, the pressure inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E can be adjusted within a range from atmospheric pressure to vacuum pressure. For this reason, the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are configured to withstand the shrinkage deformation of the container due to the vacuum pressure.

[0082] Note that the vacuum pump 261 may be installed at any position with respect to the refrigerator 1b as long as it can evacuate the air inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E. For example, the vacuum pump 261 may be installed inside the housing 10d or outside the housing 10d. Here, the inside of the housing 10d means the space formed by the housing 10d and the door 20, and the outside of the housing 10d means the side forming the outer wall of the refrigerator 1.

[0083] FIG. 7 shows an example in which the vacuum pump 261 is installed at the back side of the bottom of the refrigerating chamber 17A. Thus, when the intake port of the vacuum pump 261 and the air vents of the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are at positions separated from each other, the intake port and each air vent are connected by an air supply pipe L that can withstand the shrinkage deformation due to the vacuum pressure.

[0084] Also, in this case, in order to prevent the air drawn out from inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E from inhibiting the cooling of the refrigerating chamber 17A, the refrigerator 1 may be provided with an exhaust passage that discharges the air drawn out by the vacuum pump 261 to the outside of the housing 10d.

[0085] The opening / closing portion 262a is a drive mechanism capable of opening and closing the air port of the second partition portion 19D by electric drive control. Similarly, the opening / closing portion 262b is a drive mechanism capable of opening and closing the air port of the third partition portion 19E by electric drive control. Hereinafter, when there is no particular need to distinguish, the opening / closing portions 262a and 262b will be referred to as the opening / closing portion 262.

[0086] The opening / closing portion 262 may be any drive mechanism as long as it can prevent air from flowing into the inside of the housing 10d when the air port is closed. For example, the opening / closing portion 262 may be configured using a solenoid valve such as a PMV (Pulse Motor Valve), or may be configured using a damper capable of sealing the inside of the housing 10d with a slidable flap.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing changes in thermal conductivity between the first switching chambers 17D and 17E and adjacent chambers by the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E. FIG. 8(A) shows the thermal conductivity when the pressures inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are adjusted to atmospheric pressure, and FIG. 8(B) shows the thermal conductivity when the pressures inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are adjusted to vacuum pressure. As shown in FIG. 8(A), when the pressures inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are adjusted to atmospheric pressure, the spaces inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are regarded as air as a heat conduction medium, so heat conduction becomes possible. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(B), when the pressures inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E are adjusted to vacuum pressure, since there is no heat conduction medium in the spaces inside the second partition portion 19D and the third partition portion 19E, heat conduction between the first switching chambers 17D and 17E and the adjacent chambers can be blocked (heat insulation).

[0088] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment. In the refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment, the control board 100 has a control unit 100b constituted by, for example, a microcomputer, a timer, and the like. The control unit 100b is electrically connected to an operation panel unit 111, a storage unit 112, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113, a first switching chamber temperature sensor 114, a second switching chamber temperature sensor 115, a first damper 71, a second damper 72, a first blower 82, a second blower 84, a compressor 75, a three-way valve 93, a vacuum pump 261, and an opening / closing unit 262.

[0089] While the control unit 100a in the first embodiment realizes special cooling control by opening and closing the adjustment damper, the control unit 100b realizes special cooling control by controlling the vacuum pump 261 and the opening / closing unit 262. Note that the control unit 100b can switch between normal cooling control and special cooling control in the same manner as the control unit 100a, and can execute the same normal cooling control as the control unit 100a.

[0090] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the special cooling control in the second embodiment. The series of processes shown in this flowchart may be executed in the same thread as the normal cooling control or in a thread different from the normal cooling control. Further, when the series of processes shown in this flowchart is executed in the same thread as the normal cooling control, the series of processes may be executed at a predetermined timing within the normal cooling control or may be executed as an interrupt process that interrupts the normal cooling control triggered by a predetermined event. Also, in this flowchart, for the processes similar to the special cooling control in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 5 are used, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0091] In step S103, when it is determined that the set temperature range of at least one of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is the refrigeration temperature range (step S103 - YES), the control unit 100b determines the opening / closing part 262 to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as the "target opening / closing part") (step S201). The control unit 100b opens the opening / closing part 262 determined as the target opening / closing part (step S202), and returns the process to step S101.

[0092] Specifically, the control unit 100b determines the opening / closing part 262 of the partition part 19 between the switching chamber 17 whose set temperature range is the refrigeration temperature range and the adjacent chamber as the target opening / closing part. For example, in the refrigerator 1b of this embodiment, when the set temperature range of the first switching chamber 17D is the refrigeration temperature range, the control unit 100b determines the opening / closing part 262a of the second partition part 19D as the target opening / closing part. Similarly, when the set temperature range of the second switching chamber 17E is the refrigeration temperature range, the control unit 100b determines the opening / closing part 262b of the third partition part 19E as the target opening / closing part.

[0093] For example, when the opening / closing part 262a of the second partition part 19D is determined as the target opening / closing part, when the opening / closing part 262a is opened, air flows into the inside of the second partition part 19D, and the pressure inside the second partition part 19D transitions to atmospheric pressure. As a result, heat conduction between the first switching chamber 17D and the adjacent chamber becomes possible, and the cold heat of the first switching chamber 17D is supplied to the adjacent chamber. Thereby, the cooling of the adjacent chamber is promoted.

[0094] On the other hand, in step S101, when it is determined that the current control mode is normal cooling control (step S101: normal cooling control), the control unit 100b opens all the opening / closing parts 262 (step S203) and starts the operation of the vacuum pump 261 (step S204). When the control unit 100b starts the operation of the vacuum pump 261, it determines whether or not the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E have reached the vacuum pressure (step S205). For example, the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E may be measured by a pressure gauge or may be measured by conversion based on the intake amount of the vacuum pump 261.

[0095] In step S205, when it is determined that the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E have not reached the vacuum pressure (step S205 - NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly executes step S205 until the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E reach the vacuum pressure. On the other hand, in step S205, when it is determined that the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E have reached the vacuum pressure (step S205 - YES), the control unit 100b closes all the opening / closing parts 262 (step S206) and returns the process to step S101. Thereby, since the pressures inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E are maintained at the vacuum pressure, during the implementation of the normal cooling control, the heat conduction between the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E and the adjacent chamber can be blocked.

[0096] Note that after the control unit 100b opens the target opening / closing part in step S202, when the temperature of the adjacent room reaches a predetermined temperature within the set temperature range, the control unit 100b may be configured to close the target opening / closing part opened in step S202. For example, the control unit 100b may be configured to close the target opening / closing part when the temperature of the adjacent room reaches the lower limit value of the set temperature range. Further, in this case, the control unit 100b may be configured to operate the vacuum pump 261, adjust the pressure inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E to a vacuum pressure, and then close the target opening / closing part.

[0097] According to the refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment configured as described above, by controlling the pressure inside the second partition part 19D and the third partition part 19E to a vacuum pressure according to the set temperature ranges of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E, it is possible to supply the cooling heat of the first switching chamber 17D or the second switching chamber 17E to the adjacent room. Thereby, similar to the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to shorten the cooling time of the adjacent room without changing the setting of the temperature range of the adjacent room.

[0098] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, there are provided a switching chamber whose use can be switched between a first temperature zone chamber and a second temperature zone chamber that is lower in temperature than the first temperature zone chamber, an adjacent chamber adjacent to the switching chamber, and a control unit that controls the temperatures of the switching chamber and the adjacent chamber. By controlling the temperature of the switching chamber by the control unit, the time until the temperature of the adjacent chamber reaches a predetermined temperature range can be adjusted, so that the cooling time of the storage chamber can be further shortened without changing the setting of the temperature range.

[0099] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Description of Symbols

[0100] 1…Refrigerator, 10…Cabinet, 60…Cooling unit, 17A…Refrigerating compartment, 17B…Ice-making compartment, 17C…Small freezing compartment, 17D…First switching compartment, 17E…Second switching compartment, 18A…First cooling compartment, 18B…Second cooling compartment, 19A…First partition, 19B, 19D…Second partition, 19C, 19E…Third partition, 71…First damper, 72…Second damper, 81…First cooler, 82…First blower, 83…Second cooler, 84…Second blower, 100a, 100b…Control unit, 122…Defrost heater, 210…First communication part, 211…First adjustment damper, 220…Second communication part, 221…Second adjustment damper, 230…Third communication part, 231…Third adjustment damper, 240…Fourth communication part, 241…Fourth adjustment damper, 261…Vacuum pump, 262…Opening / closing part.

Claims

1. a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a cooling chamber housing a cooler, a first passage for returning at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber, a second passage provided separately from the first passage for guiding at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, an opening / closing device for opening and closing the second passage, a control unit for controlling the opening / closing device, wherein the first storage chamber is capable of switching a set temperature range between a refrigerating temperature range and a freezing temperature range, and the control unit controls the opening / closing device to open the second passage when a predetermined condition including that the set temperature range of the first storage chamber is the same temperature range as the temperature range in which the second storage chamber is cooled among the refrigerating temperature range and the freezing temperature range is satisfied. Refrigerator.

2. A refrigerator comprising a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a third storage chamber, a cooling chamber housing a cooler, a first passage for returning at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber, a second passage provided separately from the first passage for guiding at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, and a third passage provided separately from the first passage and the second passage for guiding at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the third storage chamber.

3. A refrigerator comprising a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a third storage chamber, a cooling chamber housing a cooler, a first passage for returning at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber, a second passage provided separately from the first passage for guiding at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, and a third passage provided separately from the first passage and the second passage for guiding at least a part of the cold air in the third storage chamber from the third storage chamber to the second storage chamber.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2 or claim 3, further comprising an opening / closing device for opening and closing the second passage, and a control unit for controlling the opening / closing device.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the opening / closing device to open the second passage when the temperature of the second storage chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

6. A refrigerator comprising a first storage chamber, a second storage chamber, a cooling chamber housing a cooler, a first passage for returning at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ A second passage that is provided separately from the first passage and guides at least a part of the cold air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber, A compressor that compresses the refrigerant supplied to the cooler, A control unit that controls the compressor, Comprising, The control unit can execute control to cool the second storage chamber by the cold of the cooler by driving the compressor with all the opening / closing devices of the passages that guide cold air to the second storage chamber closed, Refrigerator.

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