refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of improving performance of a cooling function.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises a casing, a cooling air passage section, and a blower. The casing has a first storage section and a second storage section which is positioned lower than the first storage section. The cooling air passage section has a first cooling air outlet open on the first storage section and a second cooling air outlet open on the second storage section. The blower is positioned lower than the second cooling air outlet and can upwardly send cooling air in the cooling air passage section. The cooling air passage section has an upper passage section which is installed at a rear end section of the cooling air passage section, upwardly extending and provided with the first cooling air outlet and a wall section which is positioned at a height between the upper passage section and the second cooling air outlet with at least a portion thereof facing the blower in a vertical direction. The wall section has a curved surface section in which an upward inclination thereof with respect to a horizontal direction is gradually increased with a distance from a front section to a rear section.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] A refrigerator is known that includes a cold air passage that supplies cold air to a plurality of storage sections and a blower provided in the cold air passage. However, further improvement in the cooling function of refrigerators is expected. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-081172 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of improving the performance of the cooling function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a housing, a cold air passage, Multiple A blower and Control unit and The housing includes a first storage section and a second storage section located below the first storage section. The cool air passage section is provided in the housing and has a first cool air outlet opening into the first storage section and a second cool air outlet opening into the second storage section. Multiple The blower is provided in the cold air passage portion and positioned below the second cold air outlet, each The cool air in the cool air passage can be discharged upward. The control unit controls the plurality of fans.The cold air passage section is provided at the rear end of the cold air passage section, extends upward, and is located at a height between an upper passage section in which the first cold air outlet is provided and the upper passage section and the second cold air outlet, and at least a part of the upper passage section is vertically aligned with the Multiple The wall portion has a curved surface portion whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases upward from the front to the rear. When a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied, the control unit drives each of the multiple fans at a higher rotation speed than when the first condition is satisfied, thereby increasing the proportion of the air volume directed toward the first storage unit among the air volumes blown out from the multiple fans, compared to when the first condition is satisfied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to an embodiment; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the inside of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the cool air passage and its surroundings according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 5 taken along line F6-F6. [Figure 7] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the relationship between the airflow rate and the flow of cool air in the embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining the action of the embodiment regarding the flow of cool air. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in chilled compartment temperature during special control in the embodiment. [Figure 11] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining a method for determining the timing of switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control according to an embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing target temperature adjustment value information according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing execution time adjustment value information according to the embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing limit value information of the compressor rotation speed according to the embodiment. [Figure 15]6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the operation of special control according to the embodiment; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] Refrigerators according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of those components may be omitted. In this application, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and may include a case where the component is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to the direct use of XX, but may also include a case where the component is based on XX after calculation or processing. In this application, "XX or YY" is not limited to either XX or YY, but may include both XX and YY. This also applies when there are three or more optional elements. "XX" and "YY" are arbitrary elements (e.g., arbitrary information). In this application, "rotation speed" means the number of rotations per unit time (i.e., rotation speed).

[0008] (Embodiment) <1. Overall configuration of the refrigerator> 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator 1. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10 and a plurality of doors 20.

[0009] The housing 10 has an upper wall 10a, a lower wall 10b, left and right side walls 10c and 10d, and a rear wall 10e (see FIG. 2). The upper wall 10a and the lower wall 10b extend horizontally. The left and right side walls 10c and 10d extend upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 10b and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 10a. The rear wall 10e extends upward from the rear end of the lower wall 10b and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 10a. The housing 10 includes an inner box 10i that forms the inner surface of the housing 10, an outer box 10j that is located outside the inner box 10i and forms the outer surface of the housing 10, and a foam insulation material 10k such as urethane foam that is provided between the inner box 10i and the outer box 10j (see FIG. 2), providing thermal insulation.

[0010] A plurality of storage compartments 11 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 11 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 11A, a chilled compartment 11Aa, a vegetable compartment 11B, an ice-making compartment 11C, a small freezer compartment 11D, and a main freezer compartment 11E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 11A is located at the top, the vegetable compartment 11B is located below the refrigerator compartment 11A, the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D are located below the vegetable compartment 11B, and the main freezer compartment 11E is located below the ice-making compartment 11C and the small freezer compartment 11D. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 11 is not limited to the above example. The housing 10 has an opening on the front of each storage compartment 11 to allow for the insertion and removal of ingredients.

[0011] Chilled compartment 11Aa is located below at least a portion of refrigerator compartment 11A. In this embodiment, chilled compartment 11Aa is located below a portion of refrigerator compartment 11A. Chilled compartment 11Aa is at least partially separated from refrigerator compartment 11A by a shelf, a wall, or the like. Chilled compartment 11Aa is cooled to a lower temperature than refrigerator compartment 11A because it is located below refrigerator compartment 11A and cold air can easily flow in, and because it is located closer to a refrigeration cooler 62 (described later) than refrigerator compartment 11A. In this embodiment, refrigerator compartment 11A is an example of a "first storage section." Chilled compartment 11Aa is an example of each of a "second storage section" and a "special storage section." In this application, the "second storage section" and "special storage section" are not limited to the chilled compartment 11Aa, but may also refer to a partial compartment that can be cooled to a partial temperature range (approximately -4°C to -2°C) or a temperature switchable compartment that can switch the set temperature range between the refrigerated and frozen temperature ranges. The "second storage section" and "special storage section" broadly refer to storage sections that can be cooled to a temperature range lower than that of the refrigerator compartment 11A, for example.

[0012] Housing 10 has first and second dividers 15 and 16 (see FIG. 2). First and second dividers 15 and 16 are, for example, divider walls extending substantially horizontally. First divider 15 is located between refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa and vegetable compartment 11B, separating refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa from vegetable compartment 11B. Second divider 16 is located between vegetable compartment 11B and ice making compartment 11C and small freezer compartment 11D, separating vegetable compartment 11B from ice making compartment 11C and small freezer compartment 11D.

[0013] The multiple storage compartments 11 are closed openably and closably by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 11A, vegetable compartment door 20B that closes the opening of vegetable compartment 11B, ice compartment door 20C that closes the opening of ice compartment 11C, small freezer compartment door 20D that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment door 20E that closes the opening of main freezer compartment 11E.

[0014] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 taken along line F2-F2 in Fig. 1. The refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a plurality of shelves 30, a plurality of containers 40, a cold air passage section 50, a cooling section 60, and a control device 70.

[0015] The shelves 30 are arranged at different heights in the refrigerator compartment 11A. The containers 40 include first and second chilled compartment containers 41, 42 housed in the chilled compartment 11Aa, first and second vegetable containers 43, 44 housed in the vegetable compartment 11B, an ice compartment container (not shown) housed in the ice compartment 11C, a small freezer container 46 housed in the small freezer compartment 11D, and first and second main freezer containers 47, 48 housed in the main freezer compartment 11E.

[0016] Here, the first and second chilled compartment containers 41, 42 will be described. The first chilled compartment container 41 is the lower container of the two-tiered chilled compartment containers 41, 42. The second chilled compartment container 42 is the upper container of the two-tiered chilled compartment containers 41, 42. The second chilled compartment container 42 is located above the first chilled compartment container 41. The first and second chilled compartment containers 41, 42 can each be pulled out independently forward. It is noted that only one chilled compartment container may be placed in the chilled compartment 11Aa.

[0017] The cold air passage section 50 includes a refrigeration cold air passage section 51 and a freezing cold air passage section 52. The refrigeration cold air passage section 51 is provided inside the housing 10 and extends vertically along the rear wall 10e. The refrigeration cold air passage section 51 forms a space D1, which is a passage through which cold air flows, near the rear wall 10e of the housing 10. For example, the refrigeration cold air passage section 51 is a cover attached to the rear wall 10e of the housing 10 and forms the space D1 between itself and the rear wall 10e of the housing 10.

[0018] The refrigerating cool air passage section 51 has a plurality of first cool air outlets 51a, a plurality of second cool air outlets 51b (see FIG. 4), a first cool air return port 51c, and a second cool air return port 51d. The first cool air outlets 51a open to the refrigerator compartment 11A and supply cool air cooled by a refrigerating cooler 62 (described later) to the refrigerator compartment 11A. Each of the first cool air outlets 51a is disposed at a height between two vertically adjacent shelves 30. The second cool air outlets 51b open to the chilled compartment 11Aa and supply cool air cooled by a refrigerating cooler 62 (described later) to the chilled compartment 11Aa. The second cool air outlets 51b will be described in detail later. The first cool air return port 51c opens to the bottom of the chilled compartment 11Aa and guides the cool air that has been warmed by passing through the chilled compartment 11Aa toward the space D1. The second cool air return port 51d opens to the vegetable compartment 11B and guides the cool air that has been warmed by passing through the refrigerator compartment 11A and the vegetable compartment 11B toward the space D1.

[0019] Freezer cold air passage 52 is provided within housing 10 and extends vertically along rear wall 10e. Freezer cold air passage 52 defines space D2, a passage through which cold air flows, near rear wall 10e of housing 10. Freezer cold air passage 52 has cold air outlet 52a and cold air return port 52b. Cold air outlet 52a opens to ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, or main freezer compartment 11E, and supplies cold air cooled by freezer cooler 64 (described below) to ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, or main freezer compartment 11E. Cold air return port 52b opens to the bottom of main freezer compartment 11E, and guides cold air that has been warmed by passing through one or more of ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, and main freezer compartment 11E into space D2.

[0020] Cooling unit 60 includes, for example, compressor 61, refrigeration cooler 62, refrigeration blower 63, freezer cooler 64, and freezer blower 65. Refrigeration cooler 62 and refrigeration blower 63 are arranged in space D1. Refrigerant compressed by compressor 61 is supplied to refrigeration cooler 62, which cools the cold air flowing through space D1. When refrigeration blower 63 is driven, the cold air cooled by refrigeration cooler 62 is supplied from first cold air outlet 51a and second cold air outlet 51b to refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa, respectively. A portion of the cold air that has passed through refrigerator compartment 11A or chilled compartment 11Aa flows into vegetable compartment 11B. Then, the cold air heated in one or more of the refrigerator compartment 11A, the chilled compartment 11Aa, and the vegetable compartment 11B returns to the space D1 through the cold air return port 51c or the cold air return port 51d.

[0021] Freezer cooler 64 and freezer blower 65 are arranged in space D2. Freezer cooler 64 is supplied with refrigerant compressed by compressor 61 and cools the cold air flowing through space D2. When freezer blower 65 is driven, the cold air cooled by freezer cooler 64 is supplied from cold air outlet 52a to the freezer compartments (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, main freezer compartment 11E), and the air heated in the freezer compartments returns to space D2 from cold air return port 52b.

[0022] The control device 70 has a circuit board and electronic components mounted on the circuit board. The control device 70 includes a control unit 100 (see FIG. 9), which will be described later. The control unit 100 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 1. For example, the control unit 100 controls the operations of the compressor 61, the refrigeration blower 63, and the freezing blower 65 described above. The control unit 100 will be described in detail later.

[0023] <2. Refrigeration cycle equipment> Next, the cooling unit 60 will be described in detail. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a refrigeration cycle apparatus 80. The cooling unit 60 has the refrigeration cycle apparatus 80, which includes the compressor 61, the refrigeration cooler 62, and the refrigeration cooler 64 described above. In the refrigeration cycle apparatus 80, the compressor 61, the condenser 81, the dryer 82, the three-way valve 83, the refrigeration capillary tube 84, the refrigeration capillary tube 85, the refrigeration cooler 62, and the refrigeration cooler 64 are connected in a circular arrangement in the order of refrigerant flow. The condenser 81 and the dryer 82 are connected in this order to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 61 via a connecting pipe 86. The three-way valve 83 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 82. The three-way valve 83 has one inlet connected to the dryer 82 and two outlets. The refrigeration capillary tube 84 and the refrigeration cooler 62 are connected in this order to one of the two outlets of the three-way valve 83. The refrigeration cooler 62 is connected to the compressor 61 via a refrigeration suction pipe 87, which is a connecting pipe.

[0024] Of the two outlets of three-way valve 83, a refrigeration capillary tube 85 and a refrigeration cooler 64 are connected in this order to the other outlet. Refrigeration cooler 64 is connected to compressor 61 via a refrigeration suction pipe 88, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 89 is provided between refrigeration cooler 64 and compressor 61 to prevent the refrigerant from refrigeration cooler 62 from flowing back toward refrigeration cooler 64.

[0025] Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 80 will be described. First, the refrigerant circulating in the refrigeration cycle device 80 is compressed by the compressor 61 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous refrigerant, which flows through flow path A. This gaseous refrigerant dissipates heat in the condenser 81 to become a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then passes through the dryer 82, from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed, and enters the refrigeration capillary tube 84 (or the freezing capillary tube 85) while being throttled by the three-way valve 83. At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the refrigeration capillary tube 84 (or the freezing capillary tube 85) is decompressed while exchanging heat with the refrigeration suction pipe 87 (or the freezing suction pipe 88). The decompressed refrigerant then evaporates as it passes through the refrigeration cooler 62 (or the freezing cooler 64), thereby cooling the refrigeration cooler 62 (or the freezing cooler 64).

[0026] The low-temperature, low-pressure gaseous refrigerant then flows into the refrigeration suction pipe 87 (or the freezing suction pipe 88). The temperature of the refrigerant gas immediately after flowing into the refrigeration suction pipe 87 (or the freezing suction pipe 88) is low, at around -10°C. While passing through the refrigeration suction pipe 87 (or the freezing suction pipe 88), this refrigerant gas exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the refrigeration capillary tube 84 (or the freezing capillary tube 85), and is eventually heated to approximately room temperature. This refrigerant gas is then sucked back into the compressor 61, completing the refrigerant circulation.

[0027] In the above-described refrigeration cycle apparatus 80, the three-way valve 83 is controlled by the control unit 100, which will be described later, to select, for example, one of the flow path B and the flow path C. The flow path B is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the cold storage cooler 62. The flow path C is a flow path that supplies the refrigerant to the freezing cooler 64. These two flow paths B and C merge at a junction D. The refrigerant flows from the junction D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 61.

[0028] <3. Configuration of the cold air passage> Next, the refrigerating cold air passage section 51 will be described in detail. FIG. 4 is a front view showing the interior of the refrigerator 1. As described above, the refrigerating cold air passage section 51 (hereinafter simply referred to as the "cold air passage section 51") has a plurality of first cold air outlets 51a and a plurality of second cold air outlets 51b. The plurality of first cold air outlets 51a open to the refrigerator compartment 11A. The plurality of first cold air outlets 51a are arranged at different heights in the refrigerator compartment 11A. The plurality of second cold air outlets 51b are arranged lower than the plurality of first cold air outlets 51a. The plurality of second cold air outlets 51b open to the chilled compartment 11Aa. The plurality of second cold air outlets 51b are arranged at the same height in the chilled compartment 11Aa.

[0029] In this embodiment, the opening area of ​​the second cool air outlets 51b is set relatively small so that the temperature of the chilled compartment 11Aa does not drop too much even when a special control described later is executed. For example, the total opening area of ​​the two second cool air outlets 51b is smaller than the opening area of ​​one first cool air outlet 51a.

[0030] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the cold air passage section 51 and its surroundings. A refrigeration blower 63 (hereinafter simply referred to as "blower 63") is disposed in the cold air passage section 51. The blower 63 is, for example, an axial flow fan, and includes an impeller 63a that can rotate around an axis A, and a support structure 63b that supports the impeller 63a. The blower 63 is disposed below the second cold air outlet 51b. The blower 63 can blow the cold air in the space D1 that has been cooled by the refrigeration cooler 62 upward.

[0031] The cool air passage portion 51 has, for example, a lower passage portion 91, an upper passage portion 92, and a middle ceiling wall portion 93.

[0032] <3.1 Lower Passage> The lower passage 91 is disposed behind the chilled compartment 11Aa. The width (e.g., minimum width) of the lower passage 91 in the front-to-rear direction is a relatively large first dimension W1. The lower passage 91 houses the refrigerating cooler 62 and the blower 63. The second cool air outlet 51b is provided at the upper end of the lower passage 91.

[0033] <3.2 Upper passage section> The upper passage 92 is provided at the rear end of the cool air passage 51 and extends upward. The upper passage 92 is disposed behind most of the refrigerator compartment 11A (see FIG. 2). The width (e.g., minimum width) of the upper passage 92 in the front-to-rear direction is a second dimension W2 that is smaller than the first dimension W1. The upper passage 92 is provided with a plurality of first cool air outlets 51a.

[0034] <3.3 Middle ceiling wall> The middle ceiling wall portion 93 is provided at the boundary between the lower passage portion 91 and the upper passage portion 92, and is formed at a step portion where the width of the cold air passage portion 51 in the front-to-rear direction changes. The middle ceiling wall portion 93 is located at a height between the upper passage portion 92 and the second cold air outlet 51b. At least a portion of the middle ceiling wall portion 93 faces the blower 63 in the vertical direction. The middle ceiling wall portion 93 is an example of a "wall portion." In this embodiment, the middle ceiling wall portion 93 has, for example, a first curved surface portion 93a and a second curved surface portion 93b.

[0035] The first curved surface portion 93a is a curved surface portion whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases upward from the front to the rear. That is, the first curved surface portion 93a is a curved surface portion that convexly extends diagonally downward toward the rear. For example, the first curved surface portion 93a includes a first portion 93aa that is inclined at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction and a second portion 93ab that is located rearward of the first portion 93aa and is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction. The rear end of the first curved surface portion 93a is adjacent to the lower end of the upper passage portion 92.

[0036] The first curved surface portion 93a is formed, for example, in the front-to-rear direction of the refrigerator 1, from a position forward of the axis A of the blower 63 to a position rearward of the axis A. The first curved surface portion 93a faces a part of the impeller 63a of the blower 63 in the vertical direction. The first curved surface portion 93a is provided over a dimension W3a that is at least half the dimension W3 in the front-to-rear direction of the middle ceiling wall portion 93. The first curved surface portion 93a has a smaller curvature (i.e., a gentler curve) than the second curved surface portion 93b described below.

[0037] The second curved surface portion 93b is located between the first curved surface portion 93a and the second cool air outlet 51b. The second curved surface portion 93b is located forward of the first curved surface portion 93a and is a curved surface portion whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases downward as it moves from the rear to the front. The second curved surface portion 93b is a curved surface portion that convex on the opposite side to the first curved surface portion 93a. In other words, the second curved surface portion 93b is a curved surface portion that convex diagonally upward toward the front. The second curved surface portion 93b is an example of an "inclined portion" whose height gradually decreases as it approaches the second cool air outlet 51b. At least a portion of the second curved surface portion 93b faces a portion of the impeller 63a of the blower 63 in the vertical direction.

[0038] The front-rear dimension W3b of the second curved surface portion 93b is smaller than the front-rear dimension W3a of the first curved surface portion 93a. For example, the front-rear dimension W3b of the second curved surface portion 93b is less than half the front-rear dimension W3a of the first curved surface portion 93a. Meanwhile, the curvature of the second curved surface portion 93b is larger than the curvature of the first curved surface portion 93a. In other words, the second curved surface portion 93b has a steeper curve than the first curved surface portion 93a.

[0039] <3.4 Second cool air outlet> Next, the second cool air outlet 51b will be described in detail. The cold air passage section 51 includes a surface member 96 and a heat insulating member 97. The surface member 96 is a cover member disposed in front of the heat insulating member 97. The surface member 96 is positioned between the heat insulating member 97 and the chilled compartment 11Aa and is exposed to the chilled compartment 11Aa. The surface member 96 forms the rear surface of the chilled compartment 11Aa. The surface member 96 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

[0040] The heat insulating member 97 is disposed behind the surface member 96 and is exposed to the space D1 inside the cold air passage section 51. The heat insulating member 97 is, for example, a foam heat insulating material such as expanded polystyrene foam (EPS). The heat insulating member 97 has higher heat insulating properties per unit thickness than the surface member 96. In this embodiment, the surface member 96 and the heat insulating member 97 form a front wall 98 of the cold air passage section 51.

[0041] The second cold air outlet 51b is provided in the front wall 98 of the cold air passage section 51 and is a through-hole that penetrates the front wall 98. The second cold air outlet 51b penetrates the surface member 96 and the heat insulating member 97. The second cold air outlet 51b has an inner circumferential surface 51bi formed in the front wall 98 of the cold air passage section 51. The inner circumferential surface 51bi includes a bottom surface 51ba and a ceiling surface 51bb. The bottom surface 51ba forms the bottom of the second cold air outlet 51b. The bottom surface 51ba extends horizontally. The bottom surface 51ba is located higher than the upper end 42e of the rear end of the second chilled-compartment container 42.

[0042] On the other hand, the ceiling surface 51bb forms the ceiling of the second cool air outlet 51b. The ceiling surface 51bb is inclined so that its height gradually decreases from the rear to the front. For example, the ceiling surface 51bb is inclined so that its height gradually decreases from the rear to the front in the heat insulating member 97. Therefore, the second cool air outlet 51b has a throttle structure in which the opening cross-sectional area gradually decreases from the rear to the front.

[0043] In this embodiment, the surface member 96 is a member that is common to other refrigerator models, and has a first opening 96a and a second opening 96b at a height corresponding to the chilled compartment 11Aa. The first opening 96a and the second opening 96b are through holes provided in the surface member 96. The second opening 96b is located below the first opening 96a.

[0044] In this embodiment, second cool air outlet 51b is provided corresponding to second opening 96b. Part of bottom surface 51ba and part of ceiling surface 51bb of second cool air outlet 51b are each formed by part of second opening 96b. Meanwhile, first opening 96a is blocked by heat insulating member 97. As a result, the opening area of ​​second cool air outlet 51b is smaller in refrigerator 1 than in other refrigerator models that share the same surface member 96.

[0045] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 taken along line F6-F6 in Fig. 5. The refrigerator 1 has, for example, two fans 63. The two fans 63 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1. In this embodiment, the first curved surface portion 93a and the second curved surface portion 93b described above extend above the two fans 63 in the left-right direction of the refrigerator 1.

[0046] In this embodiment, a cold air guide structure CS is provided in cold air passage 51 using one or more of the shapes of first curved surface 93a, second curved surface 93b, and second cold air outlet 51b. The cold air guide structure CS guides cold air so that when blower 63 is driven at a first rotation speed, the air volume delivered from blower 63 is divided to flow between refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa at a first ratio, and when blower 63 is driven at a second rotation speed higher than the first rotation speed, the air volume delivered from blower 63 is divided to flow between refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa at a second ratio where the proportion of the air volume going toward refrigerator compartment 11A is greater than the first ratio.

[0047] <3.5 Flow of cold air> 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the airflow rate and the flow of cool air in the cool air passage 51. In this embodiment, the airflow rate toward the first cool air outlet 51a (airflow rate flowing into the refrigerator compartment 11A) is proportional to the airflow rate of the blower 63 (i.e., the rotation speed of the blower 63). On the other hand, the airflow rate toward the second cool air outlet 51b (airflow rate flowing into the chilled compartment 11Aa) is proportional to the airflow rate of the blower 63 when the rotation speed of the blower 63 is equal to or lower than a predetermined value Rth. However, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 exceeds the predetermined value Rth, the rate of increase in the airflow rate toward the second cool air outlet 51b gradually decreases relative to the increase in the airflow rate of the blower 63.

[0048] This is because, while the ventilation resistance for the first cool air outlet 51a remains roughly constant even when the airflow rate of the blower 63 increases, a structure is realized that makes it difficult for a large amount of cool air to flow toward the second cool air outlet 51b, and therefore, when the airflow rate of the blower 63 increases, the ventilation resistance for the second cool air outlet 51b increases. Note that "ventilation resistance for the first cool air outlet 51a" refers to the ventilation resistance on the way to the first cool air outlet 51a and / or the ventilation resistance of the first cool air outlet 51a itself. Similarly, "ventilation resistance for the second cool air outlet 51b" refers to the ventilation resistance on the way to the second cool air outlet 51b and / or the ventilation resistance of the second cool air outlet 51b itself.

[0049] Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of this embodiment regarding the flow of cool air. Figure 8(a) shows a case where the fan 63 is driven at a low rotation speed equal to or less than the predetermined value Rth. Figure 8(b) shows a case where the fan 63 is driven at a high rotation speed exceeding the predetermined value Rth.

[0050] In this embodiment, when the blower 63 is driven at a low rotation speed equal to or less than the predetermined value Rth, the ventilation resistance for the second cool air outlet 51b is smaller than the ventilation resistance for the first cool air outlet 51a. As a result, cool air is supplied to the chilled compartment 11Aa with priority over the refrigerator compartment 11A (see (a) in FIG. 8). On the other hand, when the blower 63 is driven at a high rotation speed exceeding the predetermined value Rth, the ventilation resistance for the second cool air outlet 51b is greater than the ventilation resistance for the first cool air outlet 51a. As a result, cool air is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11A with priority over the chilled compartment 11Aa (see (b) in FIG. 8).

[0051] In this embodiment, when a first condition is satisfied in the refrigerator 1, the control unit 100 (described later) controls the refrigerator 1 in a first control state in which the fan 63 is driven at a first rotation speed (a low rotation speed equal to or less than the predetermined value Rth). On the other hand, when a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied in the refrigerator 1, the control unit 100 controls the refrigerator 1 in a second control state in which the proportion of the volume of air sent from the fan 63 toward the refrigeration compartment 11A is increased compared to the first control state by driving the fan 63 at a second rotation speed (a high rotation speed exceeding the predetermined value Rth) that is higher than the first rotation speed.

[0052] That is, by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower 63, the control unit 100 can switch between a first control state in which cool air is supplied preferentially to the chilled compartment 11Aa over the refrigerator compartment 11A, and a second control state in which cool air is supplied preferentially to the chilled compartment 11A over the chilled compartment 11Aa. In this embodiment, when the second condition is satisfied, the control unit 100 controls the refrigerator 1 in the second control state, and thereafter, when the first condition is satisfied, the control unit 100 transitions the refrigerator 1 from the second control state to the first control state.

[0053] The second condition is, for example, when the temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 (described later) is higher than a first threshold temperature Tm and when the temperature detected by chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 (described later) is higher than a second threshold temperature Tn (i.e., when cooling of both refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa is required). On the other hand, the first condition is, for example, when the temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is equal to or lower than the first threshold temperature Tm and when the temperature detected by chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 is higher than the second threshold temperature Tn (i.e., when cooling of refrigerator compartment 11A is sufficient but cooling of chilled compartment 11Aa is required). The second threshold temperature Tn is, for example, the lower limit of the set temperature set for chilled compartment 11Aa (the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa).

[0054] 4. Control 4.1 Control-related functional configuration FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of refrigerator 1. Control device 70 includes control unit 100, which is configured as a computer having a microcomputer, a timer, etc. Control unit 100 controls the entire refrigerator 1. In addition to refrigeration blower 63, freezer blower 65, compressor 61, and three-way valve 83 described above, control unit 100 is connected to refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111, chilled compartment temperature sensor 112, freezer compartment temperature sensor 113, external temperature sensor 114, operation panel unit 115, and memory unit 116.

[0055] The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 11A and detects the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11A (hereinafter may be referred to as the "refrigerator compartment temperature"). The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is an example of a "first storage section temperature sensor." The chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 is provided in the chilled compartment 11Aa and detects the air temperature in the chilled compartment 11Aa (hereinafter may be referred to as the "chilled compartment temperature"). The chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 is an example of a "second storage section temperature sensor" and a "special storage section temperature sensor."

[0056] Freezer compartment temperature sensor 113 is provided in, for example, main freezer compartment 11E and detects the air temperature of main freezer compartment 11E (hereinafter may be referred to as "freezer compartment temperature"). External temperature sensor 114 detects the environmental temperature outside housing 10 (for example, the room temperature where refrigerator 1 is installed).

[0057] The operation panel unit 115 accepts user operations to instruct switching of the set temperature range of each storage compartment 11 and switching of the control mode. The memory unit 116 stores information necessary for operating the refrigerator 1. The memory unit 116 stores, for example, threshold values ​​to be described later and function formulas for performing correction processing. The memory unit 116 stores, for example, target temperature adjustment value information DI1, execution time adjustment value information DI2, and compressor rotation speed limit value information DI3, which will be described later.

[0058] <4.2 Basic operation> Next, a basic operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described. The control unit 100 executes a "refrigeration operation" and a "freezing operation" as basic operations of the refrigerator 1. The "refrigeration operation" refers to an operation in which the three-way valve 83 is switched and liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 61 to the refrigeration cooler 62. On the other hand, the "freezing operation" refers to an operation in which the three-way valve 83 is switched and liquid refrigerant is supplied from the compressor 61 to the refrigeration cooler 64.

[0059] For example, the control unit 100 controls the cooling unit 60 by alternately performing a refrigeration operation and a freezing operation so that the storage compartments 11 in the refrigeration temperature range and the chilled temperature range (refrigeration compartment 11A, chilled compartment 11Aa, vegetable compartment 11B) and the storage compartments 11 in the freezing temperature range (ice-making compartment 11C, small freezer compartment 11D, main freezer compartment 11E) are maintained at their respective set temperature ranges. Hereinafter, the "refrigeration temperature range" and the "chilled temperature range" may be collectively referred to as the "refrigeration temperature range." For example, the control unit 100 alternately cools the storage compartments 11 in the refrigeration temperature range for a first predetermined time (e.g., 20 minutes) and cools the storage compartments 11 in the freezing temperature range for a second predetermined time (e.g., 40 minutes).

[0060] The control unit 100 performs feedback control such as proportional integral differential control (PID control) based on the refrigerator compartment temperature (or chilled compartment temperature) or freezer compartment temperature, for example, to keep the air temperature of the storage compartment 11, which is the main target of temperature management, between the upper and lower limits of the set temperature range. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the operating frequency (rotation speed) of the compressor 61 included in the cooling unit 60, the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 63, and the rotation speed of the freezing blower 65 by PID control based on the difference between the lower limit (target temperature) of the set temperature range of the storage compartment 11, which is the main target of temperature management, and the air temperature detected in the storage compartment 11.

[0061] Note that, during refrigeration operation, if the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the lower limit of the set temperature range of refrigerator compartment 11A (or if the chilled compartment temperature reaches the lower limit of the set temperature range of chilled compartment 11Aa) or if the freezer compartment temperature reaches the upper limit of the set temperature range of main freezer compartment 11E, control unit 100 may terminate refrigeration operation and start freezing operation even during the first predetermined time. On the other hand, during freezing operation, if the freezer compartment temperature reaches the lower limit of the set temperature range of main freezer compartment 11E or if the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the upper limit of the set temperature range of refrigerator compartment 11A (or if the chilled compartment temperature reaches the upper limit of the set temperature range of chilled compartment 11Aa), control unit 100 may terminate freezing conversion and start refrigeration operation even during the second predetermined time.

[0062] During refrigeration operation, the air temperature in storage compartment 11 in the refrigeration temperature range decreases, but the air temperature in storage compartment 11 in the freezing temperature range increases. On the other hand, during freezing operation, the air temperature in storage compartment 11 in the freezing temperature range decreases, but the air temperature in storage compartment 11 in the refrigeration temperature range increases. For this reason, the air temperatures in storage compartment 11 in the refrigeration temperature range and storage compartment 11 in the freezing temperature range each repeatedly rise and fall in a sawtooth pattern (see FIG. 10).

[0063] 4.3 Control Mode <4.3.1 Normal control> "Normal control" is a control mode in which the refrigerator 1 operates in its initial state. In the "normal control" control mode, the cooling unit 60 is controlled based on the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and the set temperature range set for the refrigerator compartment 11A, and the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa are cooled. In other words, the chilled compartment 11Aa is cooled in conjunction with the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 11A. In the "normal control" control mode, the refrigerator compartment temperature falls within a constant temperature range with an average temperature of, for example, 2 to 5°C, and the chilled compartment temperature falls within a constant temperature range with an average temperature of, for example, 0 to 3°C.

[0064] <4.3.2 Special Control> In the "special control" control mode, the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa are cooled to a lower temperature range than in normal control. The "special control" control mode is, for example, a control mode in which at least a portion of the chilled compartment 11Aa and the refrigerator compartment 11A is cooled to the chilled temperature range (-3°C to 3°C). In the "special control" control mode of this embodiment, the entire chilled compartment 11Aa and the refrigerator compartment 11A are cooled to the chilled temperature range (-3°C to 3°C).

[0065] (Basic operation of special control) First, the basic operation of the special control will be described. In the "special control" control mode of this embodiment, the cooling unit 60 is controlled based on the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 and the set temperature range set for the chilled compartment 11Aa, and the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa are cooled.

[0066] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing changes in the chilled compartment temperature when the "special control" control mode is executed. In the "special control" control mode, the control unit 100 alternates between low-temperature cooling control, which cools the chilled compartment 11Aa under a first temperature zone Ta, and high-temperature cooling control, which cools the chilled compartment 11Aa under a second temperature zone Tb that is higher than the first temperature zone Ta. The low-temperature cooling control is an example of a "first cooling control." The high-temperature cooling control is an example of a "second cooling control."

[0067] The first temperature zone Ta is the set temperature zone for chilled compartment 11Aa during low-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, -5°C. The average temperature of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature below freezing, i.e., below 0°C. In this embodiment, the maximum value of the first temperature zone Ta is a temperature below 0°C. The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature that slightly freezes the surface of food in chilled compartment 11Aa. The first temperature zone Ta is a temperature zone that can create a frozen layer only on the surface of food in chilled compartment 11Aa, rather than freezing the food all the way to the center. The low-temperature cooling control is carried out over an implementation time Sa (for example, approximately 2 hours) that is determined based on a first index described below.

[0068] The second temperature zone Tb is the set temperature zone for the chilled compartment 11Aa during high-temperature cooling control. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb (i.e., the center temperature of the set temperature zone) is, for example, +1°C. The average temperature of the second temperature zone Tb is a temperature higher than the freezing point, i.e., a temperature above 0°C. The second temperature zone Tb is a temperature that can melt the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 11Aa. The high-temperature cooling control is performed for an implementation time Sb (e.g., approximately 7 hours) determined based on a second index described below. In this embodiment, the first and second thresholds described below are set so that the high-temperature cooling control is performed for a relatively longer time than the low-temperature cooling control, for example, when the refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab are not opened or closed (i.e., when the chilled compartment temperature is stable).

[0069] With this type of special control, for example, cooling to a target temperature of -5°C is performed during the low-temperature cooling control period (e.g., 2 hours), and then cooling to a target temperature of 1°C is performed during the high-temperature cooling control period (e.g., 7 hours), and this is repeated alternately. By slightly freezing only the surface of the food, it is possible to prevent the food from drying out or oxidizing, and to extend the period during which freshness is maintained.

[0070] Here, "cooling (cooling in the refrigeration cycle)" in the refrigeration operation and freezing operation described above means that a refrigerant is supplied to a cooler (refrigeration cooler 62 or freezing cooler 64). In contrast to this, "cooling" in low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control means that the refrigerator 1 is operated to maintain the temperature in the first temperature zone Ta or the second temperature zone Tb. "Alternately repeating low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) and high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control)" also includes a case where refrigeration operation and freezing operation are performed multiple times while low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) is being performed, and then refrigeration operation and freezing operation are performed multiple times while high-temperature cooling control (second cooling control) is being performed, and then refrigeration operation and freezing operation are performed multiple times while low-temperature cooling control (first cooling control) is being performed.

[0071] (Switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control) Next, a method for determining the timing for switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control will be described. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for determining the timing for switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines the timing for transitioning from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control based on a first index, and determines the timing for transitioning from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control based on a second index different from the first index.

[0072] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 periodically acquires the temperature values ​​T (T0, T1, T2, ...) detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 (e.g., every minute). The control unit 100 calculates the first index and the second index based on the acquired temperature values ​​T.

[0073] The first index is an index used to determine the timing of transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control. "Determining the timing of transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control" means, for example, determining the timing of ending low-temperature cooling control and starting high-temperature cooling control (i.e., determining the timing of changing the set temperature zone of chilled compartment 11Aa from first temperature zone Ta to second temperature zone Tb). However, "determining the timing of transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control" is not limited to the above example, and may mean at least one of determining the end point of low-temperature cooling control or the start point of high-temperature cooling control.

[0074] The first index is, for example, an index based on an integrated value (time integral value) of the temperature value T detected during the period of low-temperature cooling control being executed. In this case, the control unit 100 calculates the first index at a predetermined period (for example, every minute) and compares the calculated first index with a first integrated threshold. When the first index falls below the first integrated threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the time has come to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control.

[0075] For example, if cooling at -5°C for two hours is used as the standard, the first integrated threshold is set to -5°C x 2 hours x 60 minutes = -600°C. For example, if there is no external influence and the temperature value T remains at -5°C for two hours, the first index will be -5°C x 2 hours x 60 minutes = -600°C, and the control unit 100 will determine that the time has come to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control when low-temperature cooling control has continued for two hours.

[0076] On the other hand, if there is an external influence, such as cold food being stored in the chilled compartment 11Aa, and the temperature value T remains at -5°C for one hour, and then remains at -6°C for 50 minutes, the first index will be -5°C x 60 minutes + -6°C x 50 = -600°C, and the control unit 100 will determine that the time has come to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control when one hour and 50 minutes have passed.

[0077] The first index is not limited to the integrated value of the temperature value T, but may be the time average value of the temperature value T. The first index may be, for example, an index based on the average value of the temperature value T detected during the combined period of the currently executed low-temperature cooling control and the immediately preceding high-temperature cooling control. In this case, the control unit 100 calculates the first index at a predetermined interval (for example, every minute) and compares the calculated first index with a first average threshold. When the first index falls below the first average threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the time has come to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control.

[0078] For example, the first average threshold is set to -1°C, which is the target temperature for cooling during a period including low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. The control unit 100 calculates a first index (i.e., the average value of the temperatures during the low-temperature cooling control currently being executed and the immediately preceding high-temperature cooling control) at a predetermined cycle (e.g., every minute). At the start of low-temperature cooling control, the first index is the average value of the temperatures during the immediately preceding high-temperature cooling control, which is, for example, a temperature close to +1°C. The first index gradually decreases as time passes from the start of low-temperature cooling control. When the first index falls below the first average threshold, the control unit 100 determines that it is time to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control.

[0079] Note that the control unit 100 may determine that the time to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control has arrived based on a preset first fixed time (e.g., two hours) instead of or in addition to the first index. For example, the control unit 100 may determine that the time to transition from low-temperature cooling control to high-temperature cooling control has arrived at a point in time when the first fixed time (e.g., two hours) has elapsed without the first index falling below the first integrated threshold or the first average threshold.

[0080] The second index is an index used to determine the timing of transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. "Determining the timing of transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control" means, for example, determining the timing of ending high-temperature cooling control and starting low-temperature cooling control (i.e., determining the timing of changing the set temperature zone of chilled compartment 11Aa from second temperature zone Tb to first temperature zone Ta). However, "determining the timing of transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control" is not limited to the above example, and may mean at least one of determining the end point of high-temperature cooling control or the start point of low-temperature cooling control.

[0081] The second index is, for example, an index based on the cumulative value (time integral value) of the temperature value T detected during the high-temperature cooling control currently being executed. In this case, the control unit 100 calculates the second index at a predetermined cycle (for example, every minute) and compares the calculated second index with a second cumulative threshold. When the second index exceeds the second cumulative threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the time has come to transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. For example, when cooling at 1°C for 7 hours is used as the standard, the second cumulative threshold is set to 1°C x 7 hours x 60 minutes = 420°C.

[0082] The second index is not limited to the integrated value of the temperature value T, but may be the time average value of the temperature value T. The second index may be, for example, an index based on the average value of the temperature value T detected during the combined period of the currently executed high-temperature cooling control and the immediately preceding low-temperature cooling control. In this case, the control unit 100 calculates the second index at a predetermined interval (e.g., every minute) and compares the calculated second index with a second average threshold. When the second index exceeds the second average threshold, the control unit 100 determines that the time has come to transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. For example, the second average threshold is set to -1°C, which is the target cooling temperature for the period including the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control.

[0083] Note that the control unit 100 may determine that the time to transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control has arrived based on a preset second fixed time (e.g., 7 hours) instead of or in addition to the second index. For example, if the second fixed time (e.g., 7 hours) has elapsed without the second index exceeding the second integrated threshold or the second average threshold, the control unit 100 may determine that the time to transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control has arrived at that point.

[0084] 4.3 Adjustment of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control Next, the adjustment of the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the content of the low-temperature cooling control and the content of the high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114. For example, the control unit 100 adjusts the content of the low-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected while the low-temperature cooling control is being executed, and adjusts the content of the high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected while the high-temperature cooling control is being executed.

[0085] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature or the length of execution time of low-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of low-temperature cooling control. The control unit 100 also adjusts the target temperature or the length of execution time of high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of high-temperature cooling control. The "target temperature" is the lower limit of the set temperature range, and is the target temperature when PID control is performed.

[0086] <4.3.1 Adjusting the target temperature> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing target temperature adjustment value information DI1 indicating the correction amount for the target temperature. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature for low-temperature cooling control and the target temperature for high-temperature cooling control based on different correction amounts depending on whether the temperature (external environmental temperature) detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range A1, temperature range A2, or temperature range A3. Here, temperature range A1 is a temperature range in which the external environmental temperature is low and, for example, under low-temperature cooling control, the chilled compartment 11Aa may be overcooled. Temperature range A2 is a temperature range between temperature range A1 and temperature range A3. Temperature range A3 is a temperature range in which the external environmental temperature is high and, for example, under high-temperature cooling control, the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A may be high. Temperature range A1 is an example of a "first temperature range." Temperature range A2 is an example of a "second temperature range."

[0087] (Target temperature adjustment in low-temperature cooling control) In this embodiment, when the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A1, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature for low-temperature cooling control based on a first correction amount (ΔTc1 [°C]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A2, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature for low-temperature cooling control based on a second correction amount (ΔTc2 [°C]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A3, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature for low-temperature cooling control based on a third correction amount (ΔTc3 [°C]). The first, second, and third correction amounts are, for example, correction amounts for adjusting the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa in low-temperature cooling control (e.g., for lowering the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa).

[0088] For example, the control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of the compressor 61 and the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 63, etc., by PID control based on the difference between the target temperature of the chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount, the second correction amount, or the third correction amount and the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112.

[0089] Furthermore, the control unit 100 determines whether to switch between refrigeration operation and freezing operation based on, for example, the target temperature of the chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount, the second correction amount, or the third correction amount and the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112. For example, if the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 during refrigeration operation reaches the lower limit (target temperature) of the set temperature range of the chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount, the second correction amount, or the third correction amount, the control unit 100 determines to terminate the refrigeration operation and start the freezing operation. Also, for example, if the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 during freezing operation reaches the upper limit of the set temperature range of the chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount, the second correction amount, or the third correction amount, the control unit 100 determines to terminate the freezing operation and start the refrigeration operation.

[0090] In this embodiment, the first correction amount, the second correction amount, and the third correction amount are correction amounts that are set based on a correspondence relationship that is determined in advance by experimentation between the external environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114, the chilled compartment temperature detected by the chilled compartment temperature sensor 112, and the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 (for example, the temperature near the top shelf 30 of the refrigerator compartment 11A, which is prone to become hot within the refrigerator compartment 11A).

[0091] For example, when low-temperature cooling control is performed and the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A1, the first correction amount is a correction amount set so that the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A as the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount. Note that in the present application, "YY is achieved as a result of XX being achieved" is not limited to cases where "XX" and "YY" are always achieved simultaneously, but may also include cases where YY is achieved when XX is achieved more than half the time, or cases where YY is achieved by the cool air remaining after cooling control (for example, rotation of compressor 61 or refrigeration blower 63) is stopped in response to XX being achieved.

[0092] Similarly, the second correction amount is a correction amount set so that when low-temperature cooling control is performed and the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A2, the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A as the chilled compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the second correction amount.The third correction amount is a correction amount set so that when low-temperature cooling control is performed and the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A3, the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A as the chilled compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the third correction amount.

[0093] By using these correction amounts, it is possible to perform temperature management of refrigerator compartment 11A (for example, cooling refrigerator compartment 11A) as part of the temperature management of chilled compartment 11Aa. Also, by using first to third correction amounts prepared according to the external environmental temperature, it is possible to reflect the influence of the external environmental temperature on the cooling of refrigerator compartment 11A and chilled compartment 11Aa.

[0094] In this embodiment, the first correction amount is smaller than the second correction amount, which prevents the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa from becoming too low when the ambient temperature is within temperature range A1 (i.e., when chilled compartment 11Aa may become too cold), and prevents the stored items in chilled compartment 11Aa from freezing too much during low-temperature cooling control.

[0095] In this embodiment, the third correction amount is smaller than the second correction amount. This prevents the rotation speed of compressor 61 and refrigeration blower 63 from becoming excessively high when the environmental temperature is within temperature range A3 (i.e., when there is a possibility that chilled compartment 11Aa will become hot). This makes it possible to prevent malfunctions in compressor 61 and refrigeration blower 63 and extend their lifespans.

[0096] (Target temperature adjustment in high temperature cooling control) When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A1, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature of high-temperature cooling control based on a fourth correction amount (ΔTh1 [°C]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A2, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature of high-temperature cooling control based on a fifth correction amount (ΔTh2 [°C]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A3, control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature of high-temperature cooling control based on a sixth correction amount (ΔTh3 [°C]). The fourth, fifth, and sixth correction amounts are, for example, correction amounts for adjusting the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa in high-temperature cooling control (e.g., for lowering the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa).

[0097] The details of the fourth correction amount, the fifth correction amount, and the sixth correction amount are the same as those of the first correction amount, the second correction amount, and the third correction amount described above. That is, the fourth correction amount, the fifth correction amount, and the sixth correction amount can be described by replacing "first correction amount" with "fourth correction amount," "second correction amount" with "fifth correction amount," and "third correction amount" with "sixth correction amount," and by replacing "low-temperature cooling control" with "high-temperature cooling control" in the above description of the first correction amount, the second correction amount, and the third correction amount.

[0098] Performing low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control using these correction amounts is an example of "adjusting the contents of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control based on the detection results of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and chilled compartment temperature sensor 112" and "making a decision regarding switching between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control based on the detection results of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and chilled compartment temperature sensor 112."

[0099] <4.3.2 Adjusting execution time> 13 is a diagram showing execution time adjustment value information DI2 indicating the correction amount of the execution time. In this embodiment, the control unit 100 may adjust the execution time of the low-temperature cooling control and the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control instead of or in addition to adjusting the target temperature.

[0100] For example, when the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A1, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of low-temperature cooling control based on a first correction amount (ΔLc1 [minutes]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A2, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of low-temperature cooling control based on a second correction amount (ΔLc2 [minutes]). When the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A3, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of low-temperature cooling control based on a third correction amount (ΔLc3 [minutes]). For example, the first correction amount is a correction amount for shortening the execution time of low-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, the third correction amount is a correction amount for lengthening the execution time of low-temperature cooling control.

[0101] For example, when the external environmental temperature is within temperature range A1, control unit 100 shortens the first fixed time, which is the execution time of low-temperature cooling control, by the first correction amount. This prevents excessive cooling of chilled compartment 11Aa compared to before the change, and prevents stored items in chilled compartment 11Aa from freezing too much during low-temperature cooling control. Note that, instead of shortening the first fixed time, the execution time may be adjusted by decreasing the absolute value of the first integrated threshold or the absolute value of the first average threshold.

[0102] Furthermore, when the external environmental temperature is within the temperature range A1, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control based on the first correction amount (ΔLh1 [minutes]). When the external environmental temperature is within the temperature range A2, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control based on the second correction amount (ΔLh2 [minutes]). When the external environmental temperature is within the temperature range A3, the control unit 100 adjusts the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control based on the third correction amount (ΔLh3 [minutes]). For example, the fourth correction amount is a correction amount for extending the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control. On the other hand, the sixth correction amount is a correction amount for shortening the execution time of the high-temperature cooling control.

[0103] The details of these adjustments to the execution time other than those described above are the same as those for the adjustments to the target temperature. That is, in the explanation of the first to sixth correction amounts for the execution time, "target temperature" can be read as "execution time" in the explanation of the first to sixth correction amounts for the target temperature.

[0104] <4.4 Restrictions on compressor speed> In this embodiment, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a predetermined value or less during a predetermined period after the transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control in order to prevent excessive cooling of the chilled compartment 11Aa.

[0105] The predetermined period is, for example, the period of the first refrigeration operation after a transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. However, the predetermined period may also be a fixed time, such as the first 15 minutes after a transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. The predetermined value is, for example, a value equal to or less than half the maximum rotation speed of the compressor 61. Assuming that normal PID control for low-temperature cooling control (or high-temperature cooling control) is performed at the same timing, the predetermined value is a value smaller than the rotation speed of the compressor 61 determined by the PID control. "Limiting the rotation speed to a predetermined value or less" is not limited to fixing the rotation speed to an arbitrary fixed value equal to or less than the predetermined value, but may also include changing the rotation speed of the compressor 61 within a range equal to or less than the predetermined value.

[0106] FIG. 14 illustrates limitation information DI3 indicating a limit value for the rotation speed of the compressor 61. When the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range B1, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a first predetermined value or less for the predetermined period. When the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range B2, which is higher than temperature range B1, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a second predetermined value or less that is higher than the first predetermined value for the predetermined period. In this case, the compressor 61 is driven at a rotation speed that is higher than the first predetermined value but lower than the second predetermined value, for example. When the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range B3, which is higher than temperature range B2, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a third predetermined value or less that is higher than the second predetermined value for the predetermined period. In this case, the compressor 61 is driven at a rotation speed that is higher than the second predetermined value but lower than the third predetermined value, for example. Temperature ranges B1, B2, and B3 may be the same as or different from the temperature ranges A1, A2, and A3 described above. Temperature range B1 is an example of a "third temperature range." Temperature range B2 is an example of a "fourth temperature range."

[0107] In this embodiment, after the predetermined period has elapsed, the control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of the compressor 61 by feedback control (for example, PID control) based on the target temperature of the low-temperature cooling control.

[0108] <4.5 Restrictions on the rotation speed of refrigeration fans> In this embodiment, when the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is higher than threshold temperature Ts during low-temperature cooling control, control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 by feedback control (e.g., PID control) based on the target temperature of low-temperature cooling control. Note that in this application, "determining the rotation speed of the blower by feedback control" also includes determining the rotation speed of compressor 61 by feedback control, and incidentally determining the rotation speed of the blower that is managed in association with the rotation speed of compressor 61.

[0109] In this embodiment, when the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature Ts during low-temperature cooling control, control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 using a method different from feedback control. For example, when the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature Ts during low-temperature cooling control, control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 to a predetermined value or lower, regardless of the refrigerator compartment temperature. Note that "limiting the rotation speed to a predetermined value or lower" is not limited to fixing the rotation speed to an arbitrary fixed value equal to or lower than the predetermined value, and may also include varying the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 within a range equal to or lower than the predetermined value.

[0110] Here, the threshold temperature Ts corresponds to, for example, the first threshold temperature Tm described in relation to the cold air guide structure CS of the refrigerator 1. That is, when the second condition described in relation to the cold air guide structure CS is satisfied (i.e., when the refrigerator compartment temperature is higher than the threshold temperatures Tm and Ts), the control unit 100 drives the refrigeration blower 63 at a rotation speed exceeding the predetermined value Rth by feedback control (e.g., PID control) based on the target temperature of the low-temperature cooling control. As a result, a large amount of cold air is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 11A, cooling the refrigerator compartment 11A. Thereafter, when the first condition described in relation to the cold air guide structure CS is satisfied (i.e., when the refrigerator compartment temperature is equal to or lower than the threshold temperatures Tm and Ts), the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the refrigeration blower 63 to a low rotation speed equal to or lower than the predetermined value Rth.

[0111] As a result, if the chilled temperature has not reached the target temperature for chilled compartment 11Aa, cooling of chilled compartment 11Aa is suppressed while continuing to cool chilled compartment 11Aa. The reason for rotating refrigeration blower 63 at high speed first is that if refrigeration blower 63 is started at low speed, the chilled compartment temperature will be too high when it reaches the target temperature, and / or if refrigeration blower 63 is rotated at high speed after the chilled compartment temperature has reached the target temperature, chilled compartment 11Aa will be too cold.

[0112] <5. Advantages> For the purpose of comparison, we consider a control method in which low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control are alternately repeated based on the chilled compartment temperature without taking the refrigerator compartment temperature into consideration. In this type of control, for example, when the ambient temperature is high, the refrigerator compartment temperature may rise too much.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 100 can control the cooling unit 60 using special control that alternates between low-temperature cooling control, which cools the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa, and high-temperature cooling control, which cools the refrigerator compartment 11A and the chilled compartment 11Aa at a temperature range higher than that of the low-temperature cooling control. The control unit 100 adjusts the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114. With this configuration, by adjusting the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control based on the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114, it is possible to suppress an increase in the refrigerator room temperature. This allows for better cooling control.

[0114] 15 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the special control of this embodiment. In the special control of this embodiment, the contents of the low-temperature cooling control and the high-temperature cooling control are adjusted based on the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114. As a result, for example, by sufficiently cooling the refrigerator compartment 11A in the low-temperature cooling control, it is possible to prevent the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11A from rising in the high-temperature cooling control.

[0115] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the content of low-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of low-temperature cooling control. The control unit 100 adjusts the content of high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of high-temperature cooling control. With this configuration, the content of special control can be adjusted in response to changes in the environmental temperature that occur during execution of low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control. This makes it possible to provide even better cooling control.

[0116] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature or the length of execution time of the low-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of the low-temperature cooling control. The control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature or the length of execution time of the high-temperature cooling control based on the detection result of the external temperature sensor 114 detected during execution of the high-temperature cooling control. With this configuration, by adjusting the target temperature or execution time, it is possible to prevent the chilled compartment 11Aa from becoming excessively cold during the low-temperature cooling control or the temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11A from increasing during the high-temperature cooling control.

[0117] In this embodiment, when the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range A1, the control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature of the low-temperature cooling control by a first correction amount. When the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is within temperature range A2, which is higher than temperature range A1, the control unit 100 adjusts the target temperature of the low-temperature cooling control by a second correction amount different from the first correction amount. With this configuration, by changing the correction amount according to differences in the external environmental temperature, a more appropriate cooling target can be set. This makes it possible to provide even better cooling control.

[0118] In this embodiment, the first correction amount is a correction amount set so that, when the ambient temperature is within temperature range A1, the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A as the chilled compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first correction amount. The second correction amount is a correction amount set so that, when the ambient temperature is within temperature range A2, the refrigerator compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A as the chilled compartment temperature reaches the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the second correction amount. This configuration allows the target temperature of chilled compartment 11Aa to be set taking into account the target temperature of refrigerator compartment 11A and the refrigerator compartment temperature. This provides even better cooling control.

[0119] In this embodiment, the first and second correction amounts are each used to lower the target temperature of the low-temperature cooling control. The first correction amount is smaller than the second correction amount. This configuration prevents the chilled compartment 11Aa from being cooled excessively when the ambient temperature is low.

[0120] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 determines whether to switch between refrigeration and freezing operations based on the temperature of the chilled compartment 11Aa and the target temperature of the chilled compartment 11Aa adjusted by the first or second correction amount. This configuration allows the timing for switching between refrigeration and freezing operations to be set appropriately based on the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the appropriate timing for switching can be set by taking into account the temperature of the chilled compartment 11A, which tends to become high during freezing operation (for example, the temperature of the upper shelf of the chilled compartment 11A). This allows for even better cooling control.

[0121] In this embodiment, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a predetermined value or less for a predetermined period of time after the transition from high-temperature cooling control to low-temperature cooling control. When cooling food from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone, if the rotation speed of the compressor 61 is increased to lower the cold air temperature, the cooling speed will improve, but the drop in the outlet temperature may cause food to freeze. Therefore, in this embodiment, when cooling food from the high-temperature zone to the low-temperature zone, the rotation speed of the compressor 61 is limited to a predetermined value or less to prevent food from freezing.

[0122] In this embodiment, when the environmental temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is in temperature range B1, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a first predetermined value or less for a predetermined period of time, and when the temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 114 is in temperature range B2, which is higher than temperature range B1, the control unit 100 limits the rotation speed of the compressor 61 to a second predetermined value or less, which is higher than the first predetermined value, for a predetermined period of time. This configuration makes it possible to limit the rotation speed of the compressor 61 within an appropriate range depending on the environmental temperature, thereby providing even better cooling control.

[0123] In this embodiment, when the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is higher than the threshold temperature during low-temperature cooling control, control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 by feedback control based on the target temperature for low-temperature cooling control. When the refrigerator compartment temperature detected by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 is equal to or lower than the threshold temperature, control unit 100 determines the rotation speed of refrigerator blower 63 by a method other than feedback control. With this configuration, when the refrigerator compartment temperature is higher than the threshold temperature, refrigerator blower 63 is rotated at a relatively high speed. This satisfies the second condition described above, allowing a large amount of cold air to be supplied to refrigerator compartment 11A, thereby cooling refrigerator compartment 11A. On the other hand, when the refrigerator compartment temperature drops below the threshold temperature, refrigerator blower 63 is rotated at a relatively low speed. As a result, by satisfying the first condition described above, the proportion of the air volume directed toward chilled compartment 11Aa can be increased, and chilled compartment 11Aa can be cooled while suppressing cooling of refrigerating compartment 11A.

[0124] In this embodiment, the blower 63 is provided in the cold air passage section 51, is located below the second cold air outlet 51b, and is capable of blowing the cold air in the cold air passage section 51 upward. The cold air passage section 51 has an upper passage section 92 and a middle-stage ceiling wall section 93. The upper passage section 92 is provided at the rear end of the cold air passage section 51 and extends upward. The upper passage section 92 has multiple first cold air outlets 51a. The middle-stage ceiling wall section 93 is located at a height between the upper passage section 92 and the second cold air outlet 51b. At least a portion of the middle-stage ceiling wall section 93 faces the blower 63 in the vertical direction. The middle-stage ceiling wall section 93 has a first curved surface section 93a. The first curved surface section 93a has a gradually increasing inclination with respect to the horizontal direction from the front to the rear.

[0125] With this configuration, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 is low, the resistance of the second cool air outlet 51b is smaller than the resistance of the first cool air outlet 51a, and cool air flows preferentially to the chilled compartment 11Aa. On the other hand, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 is high, the resistance of the second cool air outlet 51b is greater than the resistance of the first cool air outlet 51a, and cool air flows preferentially to the refrigerator compartment 11A. With this configuration, by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower 63, the chilled compartment 11Aa and the refrigerator compartment 11A can each be cooled to the required extent.

[0126] In this embodiment, the blower 63 includes an impeller 63a that can rotate around the axis A. The first curved surface portion 93a is formed from a position forward of the axis A toward the rear in the front-to-rear direction of the refrigerator 1. With this configuration, the cool air sent out from the blower 63 collides with the first curved surface portion 93a and is guided thereto, making it easier to head toward the first cool air outlet 51a.

[0127] In this embodiment, the first curved surface portion 93a includes a first portion 93aa that is inclined at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and a second portion 93ab that is located rearward of the first portion 93aa and is inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction. With this configuration, the second portion 93ab has a relatively large inclination, so that cool air can be smoothly supplied toward the first cool air outlet 51a.

[0128] In this embodiment, the rear end of the first curved surface portion 93a is adjacent to the lower end of the upper passage portion 92. With this configuration, the cool air is guided by the first curved surface portion 93a and can move smoothly into the upper passage portion 92.

[0129] In this embodiment, the middle ceiling wall portion 93 is located between the first curved surface portion 93a and the second cool air outlet 51b and includes an inclined portion whose height decreases toward the second cool air outlet 51b. With this configuration, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 increases, the airflow resistance toward the second cool air outlet 51b increases, making it more difficult for cool air to flow toward the second cool air outlet 51b.

[0130] In this embodiment, the inclined portion is a second curved portion 93b that is located forward of the first curved portion 93a and has a gradually increasing inclination with respect to the horizontal direction from the rear to the front. With this configuration, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 increases, the ventilation resistance toward the second cool air outlet 51b is more likely to increase, making it even more difficult for cool air to flow toward the second cool air outlet 51b.

[0131] In this embodiment, the second cool air outlet 51b has a ceiling surface 51bb that defines the ceiling of the second cool air outlet 51b. The ceiling surface 51bb is inclined so that its height gradually decreases from the rear to the front. With this configuration, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 increases, the ventilation resistance toward the second cool air outlet 51b increases, making it more difficult for cool air to flow toward the second cool air outlet 51b.

[0132] In this embodiment, the cross-sectional area of ​​the second cool air outlet 51b gradually decreases from the rear to the front. With this configuration, when the rotation speed of the blower 63 increases, the airflow resistance toward the second cool air outlet 51b increases, making it difficult for cool air to flow toward the second cool air outlet 51b.

[0133] In this embodiment, when a first condition is satisfied, control unit 100 controls refrigerator 1 in a first control state in which blower 63 is driven at a first rotation speed. When a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied, control unit 100 controls refrigerator 1 in a second control state in which blower 63 is driven at a second rotation speed that is higher than the first rotation speed, thereby increasing the proportion of airflow directed toward refrigerator compartment 11A among the airflow sent from blower 63 compared to the first control state. With this configuration, by adjusting the rotation speed of blower 63, chilled compartment 11Aa and refrigerator compartment 11A can each be cooled to the required extent.

[0134] (Variation) Next, a modified example will be described. The modified example differs from the above embodiment in that the special control is realized by controlling the air pressure instead of or in addition to controlling the temperature. The configuration other than that described below is the same as the above embodiment.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the first cooling control is low-temperature cooling control, and the second cooling control is high-temperature cooling control. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 100 may alternate between first cooling control (low-pressure cooling control), which cools the chilled compartment 11Aa under a first pressure zone, and second cooling control (high-pressure cooling control), which cools the chilled compartment 11Aa under a second pressure zone higher than the first pressure zone. The air pressure in the chilled compartment 11Aa can be adjusted, for example, by operating a vacuum pump provided in the chilled compartment 11Aa as part of the cooling unit 60. The low-pressure cooling control, like the low-temperature cooling control of the embodiment, is a cooling control that can slightly freeze the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 11Aa. Meanwhile, the high-pressure cooling control, like the high-temperature cooling control of the embodiment, is a cooling control that can melt the slightly frozen layer formed on the surface of the food in the chilled compartment 11Aa. In this modification, the control unit 100 adjusts the content of the low-pressure cooling control and the content of the high-pressure cooling control based on the detection results of the external temperature sensor 114.

[0136] Although the embodiments and modifications have been described above, the embodiments and modifications are not limited to the above examples. For example, "adjusting the content of low-temperature cooling control and the content of high-temperature cooling control based on the detection results of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and chilled compartment temperature sensor 112" and "determining whether to switch between low-temperature cooling control and high-temperature cooling control based on the detection results of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and chilled compartment temperature sensor 112" may also mean performing control by directly comparing the detection results of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 111 and chilled compartment temperature sensor 112 with respective threshold values, instead of using the correction amount described above.

[0137] According to at least one of the above-described embodiments, the refrigerator includes a cold air passage. The cold air passage is provided at a rear end of the cold air passage, extends upward, and includes an upper passage provided with a first cold air outlet, and a wall located at a height between the upper passage and the second cold air outlet, at least a portion of which faces the fan in a vertical direction. The wall includes a curved surface whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases from the front to the rear. This configuration can improve the performance of the cooling function.

[0138] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and their equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1...refrigerator, 10...casing, 11A...refrigerator compartment (first storage section), 11Aa...chilled compartment (second storage section, special storage section), 50...cold air passage section, 51...refrigerated cold air passage section, 51a...first cold air outlet, 51b...second cold air outlet, 60...cooling section, 61...compressor, 62...refrigerated cooler, 63...refrigerated blower, 92...upper passage section, 93...middle ceiling wall section (wall section), 93a...first curved section, 93b...second curved section (inclined section), 100...control section, 111...refrigerated compartment temperature sensor (first storage section temperature sensor), 112...chilled compartment temperature sensor (second storage section temperature sensor), 114...external temperature sensor.

Claims

1. a housing including a first storage section and a second storage section located below at least a portion of the first storage section; a cold air passage section provided in the housing and having a first cold air outlet opening to the first storage section and a second cold air outlet opening to the second storage section; a plurality of blowers provided in the cold air passage portion, positioned below the second cold air outlet, each of which can blow the cold air in the cold air passage portion upward; a control unit that controls the plurality of fans; Equipped with the cold air passage section is provided at a rear end of the cold air passage section, extends upward, and has an upper passage section in which the first cold air outlet is provided, and a wall section located at a height between the upper passage section and the second cold air outlet, at least a portion of which faces the plurality of fans in a vertical direction; The wall portion includes a curved surface portion whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases upward as it progresses from the front to the rear, When a second condition different from the first condition is satisfied, the control unit drives each of the plurality of fans at a higher rotation speed than when the first condition is satisfied, thereby increasing the proportion of the amount of airflow directed toward the first storage unit among the amount of airflow sent from the plurality of fans, compared to when the first condition is satisfied. refrigerator.

2. The blower includes an impeller that is rotatable about an axis that is aligned in a vertical direction, The curved surface portion is formed from a position forward of the axis to a position rearward of the axis in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to claim 1.

3. The curved surface portion includes a first portion inclined at an angle of less than 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction, and a second portion located rearward of the first portion and inclined at an angle of 45 degrees or more with respect to the horizontal direction. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The rear end of the curved surface portion is adjacent to the lower end of the upper passage portion. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the wall portion includes a second curved surface portion that is located at a height between the first curved surface portion and the second cool air outlet, and that has a gradually increasing downward slope with respect to the horizontal direction as it moves from the rear to the front, the second curved surface portion is located closer to the second cool air outlet than the first curved surface portion in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. At least a portion of the second curved surface portion faces some of the plurality of blowers in the vertical direction. The refrigerator according to claim 5.

7. The second cool air outlet has a ceiling surface that forms a ceiling of the second cool air outlet within an inner circumferential surface of the second cool air outlet, and the ceiling surface is inclined so that its height gradually decreases from the rear toward the front. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The second cool air outlet has an opening cross-sectional area that gradually decreases from the rear toward the front. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. a first storage unit temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the first storage unit; a second storage section temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the second storage section; Furthermore, the second condition is a case where the temperature detected by the first storage unit temperature sensor is higher than a first threshold temperature and the temperature detected by the second storage unit temperature sensor is higher than a second threshold temperature; the first condition is that the temperature detected by the first storage unit temperature sensor is equal to or lower than the first threshold temperature, and the temperature detected by the second storage unit temperature sensor is higher than the second threshold temperature; The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the second condition is satisfied, the control unit controls the refrigerator in a second control state in which each of the plurality of fans is driven at a rotation speed higher than that when the first condition is satisfied, and thereafter, when the first condition is satisfied, the control unit transitions the refrigerator from the second control state to a first control state in which each of the plurality of fans is driven at a rotation speed lower than that when the second condition is satisfied. The refrigerator according to claim 9.

11. a housing including a first storage section and a second storage section located below at least a portion of the first storage section; a cold air passage section provided in the housing and having a first cold air outlet opening to the first storage section and a second cold air outlet opening to the second storage section; a blower provided in the cold air passage portion, positioned below the second cold air outlet, and capable of blowing the cold air in the cold air passage portion upward; Equipped with the cold air passage section is provided at a rear end of the cold air passage section, extends upward, and has an upper passage section in which the first cold air outlet is provided, and a wall section located at a height between the upper passage section and the second cold air outlet, at least a portion of which faces the blower in a vertical direction; The wall portion includes a first curved surface portion whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases upward as the wall portion moves from the front to the rear, and a second curved surface portion which is located at a height between the first curved surface portion and the second cool air outlet and whose inclination with respect to the horizontal direction gradually increases downward as the wall portion moves from the rear to the front, the second curved surface portion is located closer to the second cool air outlet than the first curved surface portion in the front-rear direction of the refrigerator, By changing the rotation speed of the blower, the ratio of the air volume of the cool air guided to the first cool air outlet and the air volume of the cool air guided to the second cool air outlet is changed. refrigerator.

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