refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator capable of enhancing cooling efficiency.SOLUTION: A refrigerator includes at least: a refrigeration chamber 13 and a refrigeration cooling chamber 30. The refrigeration cooling chamber 30 includes a refrigeration cooler 32 for cooling the refrigeration chamber 13. The refrigeration cooler 32 comprises a micro channel-type cooler. The refrigeration chamber 13 and the refrigeration cooling chamber 30 are partitioned from each other by a partition wall 85. The partition wall 85 includes an intake opening 87 enabling communication between the refrigeration chamber 13 and the refrigeration cooling chamber 30. The intake opening 87 is configured such that height of an upper end 87a thereof is greater than or equal to height of a lower end 32a of a front surface of the refrigeration cooler 32.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a refrigerator. This refrigerator performs heat exchange in a refrigeration cycle using a multi-flow type refrigerator cooler having a flat tube in which a plurality of channels through which a refrigerant flows are formed inside.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a refrigerator capable of improving cooling efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The refrigerator in the present disclosure is a refrigerator including at least a refrigerating chamber and a refrigerator cooling chamber. The refrigerator cooling chamber includes a refrigerator cooler for cooling the refrigerating chamber. The refrigerator cooler is composed of a microchannel type cooler having a plurality of air flow paths along the vertical direction. The refrigerating chamber and the refrigerator cooling chamber are partitioned by a partition wall. The partition wall includes a suction port for communicating the refrigerating chamber and the refrigerator cooling chamber. The suction port is formed such that the height of its upper end is equal to or higher than the height of the lower end of the front surface of the refrigerator cooler. The partition wall is composed of a heat insulating material and a decorative cover facing the refrigerating chamber. At the upper end of the suction port, the heat insulating material and the decorative cover are provided at substantially the same height. The refrigerator comprises a plurality of flat tubes arranged substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals, an air passage formed between each of the flat tubes, and fins provided inside the air passage, wherein the refrigerator is provided such that the flat tubes are in contact with the partition wall, and the height of the lower end of the front surface of the refrigerator is higher than the height of the lower end of the fins.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The refrigerator in this disclosure can improve cooling efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A schematic side cross-sectional view of the refrigerator in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] A schematic front view showing the refrigerator in Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] Refrigeration cycle diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of Embodiment 1 [Figure 4] Perspective view showing the refrigerator cooler of Embodiment 1 [Figure 5] Plan view showing the refrigeration cooler of Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] Front view showing the refrigerator cooler of Embodiment 1 [Figure 7] Side cross-sectional view showing the area around the suction port of Embodiment 1 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] (Knowledge and other information that formed the basis of this disclosure) At the time the inventors conceived this disclosure, a refrigerator had been disclosed that used a multi-flow type refrigerator cooler having a flattened tube with multiple refrigerant flow channels formed inside to perform heat exchange in the refrigeration cycle. This refrigerator was equipped with a refrigerator cooler in the refrigerator cooling chamber, and the refrigerator chamber was cooled by cooling the air with the refrigerator cooler. However, the inventors discovered that with conventional technology, when air flows into the refrigerator cooler, some of the air remains stagnant in the refrigerator cooler chamber, making it difficult for air to flow into a part of the refrigerator cooler, thus reducing cooling efficiency. To solve this problem, the inventors have come to form the subject of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure provides a refrigerator that can improve cooling efficiency.

[0009] The embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, unnecessary details may be omitted. For example, detailed explanations of already well-known matters or redundant explanations of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid the following explanation becoming unnecessarily verbose and to facilitate understanding for those skilled in the art. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand this disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) Embodiment 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. [1-1. Structure] [1-1-1. Refrigerator Configuration] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the refrigerator according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the refrigerator 1 has a box-shaped main body 10. At two locations in the vertical direction of the main body 10, an upper partition plate 11 and a lower partition plate 12 are provided, dividing the inside of the main body 10 into three spaces. The space above the upper partition plate 11 is designated as the refrigerator compartment 13, the space between the upper partition plate 11 and the lower partition plate 12 is designated as the freezer compartment 14, and the space below the lower partition plate 12 is designated as the vegetable compartment 15. A low-temperature compartment 16, which is said to be at a lower temperature than the refrigerator compartment 13, is provided at the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 13. A shelf 17 for placing food is provided inside the refrigerator compartment 13. Inside the freezer compartment 14, there is an ice-making compartment 18 for storing ice.

[0011] The front of the refrigerator compartment 13 is equipped with a side-opening refrigerator door 20 that can be opened and closed. A freezer compartment drawer door 21 is provided on the front of the freezer compartment 14 so as to be able to be opened and closed, and a freezer drawer case 22 for storing food is provided on the inside of the freezer compartment drawer door 21. An opening at the front of the vegetable compartment 15 is provided with a drawer door 23 for the vegetable compartment that can be opened and closed freely. Inside the drawer door 23 for the vegetable compartment, there is a drawer case 24 for the vegetable compartment that houses food.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a refrigerating cooling chamber 30 is provided on the back side of the refrigerating compartment 13 of the refrigerator 1. Above the refrigerating cooling chamber 30, a refrigerating compartment duct 31 extending above the refrigerating compartment 13 is connected. The refrigerating compartment 13 and the refrigerating cooling chamber 30 are partitioned by a partition wall 85 extending in the vertical direction. The refrigerating cooling chamber 30 houses a refrigerating cooler 32. The refrigerating cooler 32 is a microchannel type cooler. A microchannel type cooler is, for example, a cooler composed of a flat porous tube and fins. The flat porous tube is a flat tube in which a plurality of flow paths for refrigerant to flow are formed inside. Details of the refrigerating cooler 32 will be described later. Above the refrigerating cooler 32 in the refrigerating cooling chamber 30, a refrigerating fan 33 is arranged. For example, a centrifugal fan is used as the refrigerating fan 33. The centrifugal fan is a fan that sucks in cold air that has passed through the refrigerating cooler 32 from a central portion on one side in the axial direction of the rotating blades and blows it out in the centrifugal direction. Also, the centrifugal fan sucks in cold air from the rear of the refrigerating cooling chamber 30 and blows it out in the centrifugal direction. By using a centrifugal fan, the air volume can be ensured even with a thin duct. Also, as shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerating fan 33 is provided above the upper surface 16a of the low-temperature compartment 16. Thereby, heat exchange between the refrigerating fan 33 and the low-temperature compartment 16 is suppressed. Therefore, mainly when the refrigerating fan 33 is not operating, it is possible to suppress the refrigerating fan 33 from being cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature compartment 16. Therefore, condensation, frosting, and freezing of the refrigerating fan 33 can be suppressed, and the reliability of the refrigerating fan 33 is improved. When cold air is sucked from the refrigerating cooling chamber 30 by the refrigerating fan 33, air flows from the refrigerating compartment 13 into the refrigerating cooling chamber 30 through a substantially rectangular suction port 87 provided in the partition wall 85. Details of the configuration around the suction port 87 will be described later.

[0013] In the present embodiment, the centrifugal fan is configured to suck cold air from the rear of the refrigerating cooling chamber 30, but it may also be configured to suck cold air from the front of the refrigerating cooling chamber 30. Further, the refrigerating fan 33 may be, for example, an axial fan. The axial fan is inclined so that the blowing side faces upward so as to efficiently blow the cold air cooled by the refrigerating cooler 32 into the refrigerating chamber 13. By using an axial fan, it becomes easier to discharge cold air downward as well.

[0014] The frost adhering to the refrigerating cooler 32 can be defrosted by the air inside the refrigerating chamber 13 having a positive temperature. In this case, it is preferable to drive the refrigerating fan 33 without flowing the refrigerant through the refrigerating cooler 32.

[0015] The refrigerating chamber duct 31 is connected to the casing 33a on the blowing side of the refrigerating fan 33, and the refrigerating chamber duct 31 is formed in a tapered shape in which the width dimension gradually increases upward. A refrigerating air outlet 35 communicating with the refrigerating chamber 13 is formed in the refrigerating chamber duct 31. The refrigerating chamber duct 31 includes a low-temperature chamber duct 31a that branches off to the side in the middle. The low-temperature chamber duct 31a communicates the refrigerating chamber duct 31 with the low-temperature chamber 16 and discharges cold air into the low-temperature chamber 16 from the low-temperature chamber air outlet 35a. Further, the low-temperature chamber duct 31a includes a low-temperature chamber damper 36a at a middle portion located above the upper surface 16a of the low-temperature chamber 16. The low-temperature chamber damper 36a is configured to switch between blowing air to the low-temperature chamber 16 and stopping the blowing air by performing an opening and closing operation. Here, since the low-temperature chamber damper 36a is located above the upper surface 16a of the low-temperature chamber 16, heat exchange with the low-temperature chamber 16 is suppressed. Therefore, mainly when the low-temperature chamber damper 36a is in the closed state, it is possible to suppress the low-temperature chamber damper 36a from being cooled by heat exchange with the low-temperature chamber 16. Therefore, dew condensation, frosting, and freezing of the low-temperature chamber damper 36a can be suppressed, and the reliability of the low-temperature chamber damper 36a is improved.

[0016] A shielding plate 39 is provided on the lower side of the refrigerating cooler 32, below the header described later. The shielding plate 39 covers the lower part of the header and has the function of guiding the internal air sent from the refrigerator compartment 13 to the air passage of the refrigerating cooler 32, which will be described later. The shielding plate 39 may also be provided in the refrigerated cooling chamber 30. In this case, the shielding plate 39 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower part of the header, which will be described later.

[0017] A cooling chamber 40 for freezing is provided on the rear side of the freezer compartment 14 of the refrigerator 1. A cooling unit 41 for freezing is housed in the cooling chamber 40. The refrigeration cooler 41 is, for example, a fin-tube type cooler. A fin-tube type cooler is, for example, a cooler composed of a cylindrical pipe and flat fins. Above the refrigeration cooler 41, a refrigeration fan 42 is positioned to send the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 into the freezer compartment 14. Fin-tube coolers are designed with a greater distance between fins compared to microchannel coolers. This reduces clogging due to frost buildup and decreases the number of times the heater needs to be powered for defrosting. Consequently, power consumption can be reduced.

[0018] For example, an axial fan is used for the refrigeration fan 42. The axial fan is positioned at an angle so that the outlet faces upward, in order to efficiently blow the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 41 into the freezer compartment 14. A refrigeration outlet 43 is formed at the rear of the freezer compartment 14. The cooling fan 42 may be, for example, a centrifugal fan. Below the refrigeration cooler 41, a glass tube heater 44 is positioned to remove frost that has accumulated on the refrigeration cooler 41. Alternatively, instead of using the glass tube heater 44, a pipe heater that directly heats the refrigeration cooler 41 may be used to remove frost that has accumulated on the cooler 41. The cold air from the freezer cooling chamber 40 is configured to be sent to the vegetable compartment 15 through a communication hole 45 formed in the lower partition plate 12.

[0019] A refrigerator condensation tray 37 is positioned below the refrigerator cooler 32. A freezer condensation tray 46 is positioned below the freezer cooler 41. An evaporation tray 47 is located at the lower rear of the vegetable compartment 15. A refrigeration drain pipe 38 is connected to the refrigeration drip tray 37. A freezer drain pipe 48 is connected to the freezer drip tray 46. The lower ends of the refrigeration drain pipe 38 and the freezer drain pipe 48 extend through the upper partition plate 11 and the lower partition plate 12, respectively, to the vicinity of the top of the evaporation tray 47. This configuration allows the drain water accumulated in the refrigerator condensation tray 37 and the freezer condensation tray 46 to be sent to the evaporation tray 47 via the refrigerator drain pipe 38 and the freezer drain pipe 48, where the drain water is evaporated.

[0020] A compressor 50 is installed at the upper rear of the main unit.

[0021] [1-1-2. Configuration of the Refrigeration Cycle] Next, we will explain the refrigeration cycle configuration of refrigerator 1. Figure 3 is a refrigeration cycle diagram showing the refrigeration cycle of refrigerator 1. As shown in Figure 3, the refrigerator 1 is configured by connecting a compressor 50, a condenser 51, a switching valve 52, a refrigeration pressure reducing means 53, a refrigeration cooler 32, a refrigeration return pipe 55a, a freezing pressure reducing means 54, a freezing cooler 41, and a freezing return pipe 55b with a refrigerant return pipe 55. A refrigeration capillary tube 53 is provided as the refrigeration pressure reducing means 53, and a freezing capillary tube 54 is provided as the freezing pressure reducing means 54. The refrigeration pressure reducing means 53 and the refrigeration cooler 32, and the freezing pressure reducing means 54 and the freezing cooler 41 are connected in parallel to each other via a switching valve 52.

[0022] [1-1-3. Configuration of the Refrigerator Cooler 32] Next, we will describe the configuration of the refrigeration cooler 32 installed in refrigerator 1. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the refrigerator cooler 32 of Embodiment 1. Figure 5 is a plan view showing the refrigerator cooler 32 of Embodiment 1. Figure 6 is a front view showing the refrigerator cooler 32 of Embodiment 1.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the refrigerator cooler 32 is equipped with a refrigerant conducting member 60 through which the refrigerant flows. The refrigerant conducting member 60 is composed of a flat, porous tube in which a plurality of substantially rectangular passages are arranged in a continuous pattern. The refrigerant conductive member 60 is formed in a meandering shape and comprises a plurality of flattened pipes 61 formed substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals, and a curved portion 62 connecting the ends of each of these flattened pipes 61. In this embodiment, the flattened tube 61 is composed of four sections between the headers, which will be described later. The number of flattened tubes 61 is not limited to this and can be set arbitrarily. Alternatively, each flattened tube 61 and the curved section 62 may be integrated, and a single flattened tube 61 may be meandered to form the section between the headers.

[0024] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the flattened pipe 61 and the curved section 62 are divided vertically into three upper regions 63, a middle region 64, and a lower region 65. In this embodiment, the area is divided into three regions in the vertical direction, but it may also be divided into two regions or four or more regions in the vertical direction.

[0025] At one end of the outermost flattened pipe 61, an inlet header 66 and an outlet header 67 are provided, respectively, extending vertically. The inlet header 66 and the outlet header 67 are, for example, made of circular pipes. The inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 are positioned offset in the width direction (left-right direction) of the refrigerating cooler 32, with the inlet header 66 positioned close to the flat pipe 61 and the outlet header 67 positioned further away from the flat pipe 61 than the inlet header 66, so that the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 are installed alternately. The outlet header 67 may be positioned near the flattened pipe 61, while the inlet header 66 may be positioned further away from the flattened pipe 61 than the outlet header 67.

[0026] Furthermore, the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 are mounted so as not to protrude from the end face of the flattened pipe 61 in the depth direction (front-to-back direction). The inlet header 66 is connected to the flattened pipe 61 via a bent portion 61a formed by bending the end of the flattened pipe 61, and the outlet header 67 is connected to the flattened pipe 61 via a bent portion 61a formed by bending the end of the flattened pipe 61. By arranging the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 in this manner, the end faces of the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 are flush with the outer surface of the flat pipe 61 of the refrigerant conductive member 60, and the sides of the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67 are positioned so as not to protrude beyond the thickness of the flat pipe 61. This allows for a reduction in the thickness of the refrigerator cooler 32, and when the refrigerator cooler 32 is housed inside the refrigerator cooling chamber 30, the internal space of the refrigerator duct 31 can be reduced. As a result, the internal space of the refrigerator 13 can be increased.

[0027] Furthermore, the inlet piping 68 is connected to the side of the inlet header 66 that faces the rear of the refrigerator compartment 13 and is at a height corresponding to the lower region 65. Specifically, the inlet piping 68 is connected to the side of the inlet header 66 in the direction toward the flat pipe 61 to which the outlet header 67 is connected. Moreover, it is preferable that the inlet piping 68 is connected substantially parallel to the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the refrigeration cooler 32. The outlet header 67 is formed to be taller than the inlet header 66. The outlet piping 69 is connected to the side of the outlet header 67 that faces forward of the refrigerator compartment 13 and is located above the upper end of the upper region 63. Specifically, the outlet piping 69 is connected to the side of the outlet header 67 in the direction toward the flat pipe 61 to which the inlet header 66 is connected. Furthermore, it is preferable that the outlet piping 69 is connected approximately parallel to the inlet piping 68. That is, the outlet piping 69 is connected above the upper end of the uppermost flat pipe.

[0028] The inlet pipe 68 extends upward approximately parallel to the inlet header 66, and the outlet pipe 69 extends upward approximately parallel to the outlet header 67. In addition, the inlet pipe 68 protrudes toward the outlet header 67 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the flat pipe 61, and the outlet pipe 69 protrudes toward the inlet header 66 in the thickness direction (front-to-back direction) of the flat pipe 61. The inlet pipe 68 and outlet pipe 69 have a smaller diameter than the inlet header 66 and outlet header 67. As mentioned above, by arranging the inlet pipe 68 and outlet pipe 69, the space required for arranging the inlet pipe 68 and outlet pipe 69 is reduced. Additionally, a refrigerated capillary tube 53 is connected to the inlet pipe 68, and a refrigerated return pipe 55a is connected to the outlet pipe 69. The refrigerated capillary tube 53 extends above the inlet header 66 and is then embedded in the rear insulated wall of the main body 10. Similarly, the refrigerated return pipe 55a extends above the outlet header 67 and is then embedded in the rear insulated wall of the main body 10. Furthermore, the refrigeration capillary tube 53 and the refrigeration return pipe 55a are tightly connected within the rear insulated wall to facilitate heat exchange. Furthermore, there is no accumulator (gas-liquid separator) between the outlet pipe 69 and the refrigeration return pipe 55a connected downstream to prevent liquid refrigerant from flowing into the compressor 50.

[0029] In this embodiment, the refrigerant is configured to flow in from the lower part of the inlet-side header 66 and to flow out from the upper part of the outlet-side header 67. As a result, the flow of the refrigerant is parallel to the direction of airflow of the cold air. Here, parallel flow refers to the case where the direction of refrigerant flow and the direction of airflow of the cold air are the same. Furthermore, the inlet header 66 and the outlet header 67 may be provided at different ends of the flat pipe 61, respectively, so that the inlet header 66 and the outlet header 67 are positioned on both sides of the refrigerant conducting member 60. Also, the refrigerant inlet of the inlet header 66 may be provided at the top, and the refrigerant outlet of the outlet header 67 may be provided at the bottom.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4, a partition plate 70 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the lower region 65 and the middle region 64 of the entrance-side header 66. The middle region 64 and the upper region 63 of the entrance-side header 66 are in communication with each other. A partition plate 71 is provided at a position corresponding to the boundary between the upper region 63 and the middle region 64 of the exit-side header 67, which blocks communication within the exit-side header 67. The middle region 64 and the lower region 65 of the exit-side header 67 are in communication with each other.

[0031] The refrigerant flowing in from the lower part of the inlet header 66 flows through the lower region 65 of the refrigerant conductive member 60 to the outlet header 67. The refrigerant that has flowed to the outlet header 67 flows into the middle region 64 of the refrigerant conductive member 60 and then to the inlet header 66, flows through the lower region 65 via the inlet header 66, and then flows out from the upper part of the outlet header 67. In other words, the refrigerant that flows into the inlet header 66 flows sequentially through the lower region 65, middle region 64, and upper region 63 of the flattened pipe 61 and reaches the outlet header 67 in series. Here, each flattened pipe 61 is connected in series. This prevents the liquid refrigerant from accumulating at the bottom due to gravity, even when the direction of cold airflow is aligned vertically. Consequently, the refrigerant can be distributed throughout the entire cooler, thus suppressing a decrease in heat exchange efficiency.

[0032] An air passage 72 is formed between each of the flattened pipes 61 of the refrigerant conductive member 60. Inside the air passage 72, fins 73 are arranged in a continuous manner, inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the flattened pipe 61 and bent in a zigzag pattern. These fins 73 form a continuous air passage 72 with a roughly triangular cross-sectional shape inside the air passage 72. Furthermore, a series of air channels 72 with a rectangular cross-sectional shape may be formed. The air passage 72 is formed in the vertical direction so as to follow the vertical direction of the refrigeration cooling chamber 30.

[0033] As a result, the air inside the refrigerator cooling chamber 30 flows from the bottom to the top through the air passage 72, and at this time, it exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conductive member 60, and is configured to be cooled to a predetermined temperature.

[0034] Furthermore, the fins 73 in the lower region 65 and the fins 73 in the upper region 63 may be positioned with a phase difference. More specifically, the fins 73 in the lower region 65 and the fins 73 in the upper region 63 may be positioned with a phase difference of 1 / 2. That is, the approximately triangular air passage 72 in the upper region 63 and the approximately triangular air passage 72 in the lower region 65 may be formed to overlap each other in a plan view. Also, the phase difference of the fins 73 may be such that the phase difference of the fins 73 in the middle region 64 is shifted relative to the fins in the upper region 63. With this configuration, although the resistance when the air inside the chamber flows through the air passage 72 increases somewhat, the leading-edge effect can be enhanced by increasing the heat exchange area with the ends of the fins 73 in the direction of airflow, and therefore the heat exchange efficiency can be increased.

[0035] Furthermore, the inclination angle of the fins 73 in the lower region 65, which is upstream of the air passage, may be made larger than the inclination angle of the fins 73 in the upper region 63, which is downstream of the air passage. In other words, the fins 73 in the lower region 65 may be made larger at an angle corresponding to the vertex of the roughly triangular air passage 72. By configuring it in this way, a large cross-sectional area of ​​the air passage 72 can be secured in the lower region 65, which is upstream of the air passage 72. Therefore, even if frost or condensation adheres to the fins 73 when the air inside the chamber exchanges heat with the refrigerant, it is possible to prevent the air passage 72 from being blocked by the frost or condensation, and to ensure airflow.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the fin 73 is located below the lower end of the refrigerant conductive member 60. This allows water generated by frost formation or condensation during heat exchange between the internal air and the refrigerant to be collected at the lower end of the fin 73, thereby improving drainage. Alternatively, the upper end of the fin 73 may be positioned above the upper end of the refrigerant conductive member 60. This increases the fin area, thereby increasing the amount of heat exchanged between the fin 73 and the air inside the chamber, and improving the heat exchange efficiency of the air inside the chamber.

[0037] [1-1-4. Configuration around the suction port 87] Next, we will describe the configuration around the intake port 87 for drawing air from the refrigerator compartment 13 into the refrigerated cooling compartment 30. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of the area around the suction port 87 in Figure 1.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 is approximately the same as the height of the lower end 32a of the front surface of the refrigerator cooler 32. Here, unlike in this disclosure, if the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 is lower than the height of the lower end 32a of the front surface of the refrigerator 32, a space is formed in the corner between the rear side of the partition wall 85 and the lower end 32a of the front surface of the refrigerator 32 inside the refrigerator cooling chamber 30. In this space formed in the corner, the air flowing in from the intake port 87 tends to form a vortex and stagnate. Therefore, in this case, unlike in this disclosure, the flow of air into the air passage 72, especially near the partition wall 85, is easily obstructed, and the efficiency of heat exchange in the refrigerator 32 decreases. Also, in this case, unlike in this disclosure, the heat exchange in the refrigerator 32 becomes uneven, making it easier for frost to form on the refrigerator 32.

[0039] On the other hand, in this embodiment, as mentioned above, the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 and the height of the lower end 32a of the front surface of the refrigerator 32 are approximately the same. Therefore, in this embodiment, the partition wall 85 and the lower end 32a of the front surface do not form a corner space inside the refrigerator 30. Consequently, it is possible to suppress the formation of vortices and stagnation of air flowing in from the intake port 87, and air flows smoothly even in the air passage 72 close to the partition wall 85. Consequently, the efficiency of heat exchange in the refrigerator 32 is improved. In addition, since the heat exchange in the refrigerator 32 is made uniform, it is possible to suppress uneven frost formation on the refrigerator 32. Furthermore, since the refrigerator 32 can be installed at the bottom, the height to the thick refrigerator 32 can be reduced, thereby suppressing a decrease in the internal volume. Also, in this embodiment, by installing the refrigerator 32 at the bottom, the refrigerator fan 33 can also be installed at the bottom. Therefore, the height from the thick refrigerator 32 to the refrigerator fan 33 can be reduced, thereby suppressing a decrease in the internal volume.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, the flattened tube 61 provided on the front of the refrigerator cooler 32 is in contact with the partition wall 85. This prevents air from passing between the partition wall 85 and the refrigerator cooler 32 without passing through the air passage 72. Consequently, the efficiency of heat exchange in the refrigerator cooler 32 is improved.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, a louver 89 is provided at the intake port 87 located below the partition wall 85. In this embodiment, three louvers 89 are arranged in a substantially vertical direction, and each louver 89 is inclined so that the side facing the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 is higher. In other words, the louvers 89 are configured to guide the air sent from the cooling chamber side to the respective air passages 72 of the refrigerated cooler 32. As a result, the air drawn from the refrigerator compartment 13 into the refrigerated cooling compartment 30 is guided upward by the louvers 89 and flows smoothly toward the refrigerated cooler 32. Consequently, the efficiency of heat exchange in the refrigerated cooler 32 is improved.

[0042] Furthermore, each of the louvers 89 is inclined toward the fins 73 (i.e., the air passages 72). This allows air to be guided from the intake port 87 to the fins 73, making it easier for air to flow through the air passage 72 and improving the heat exchange efficiency in the refrigerator 32. Furthermore, in this embodiment, more specifically, the louvers 89 positioned on the upper side, closer to the refrigeration cooler 32, are inclined toward the air passage 72 closest to the intake port 87 (or partition wall 85) among the multiple air passages 72. Thus, in this embodiment, the louvers 89 positioned on the upper, middle, and lower sides are inclined sequentially toward the front, central, and rear air passages 72, respectively, among the multiple air passages 72. This prevents the airflow induced by each louver from intersecting, allowing air to flow more easily through the airflow channel 72 and improving the heat exchange efficiency in the refrigeration cooler 32.

[0043] As shown in Figure 7, the partition wall 85 is composed of an insulating material 85a facing the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 and a decorative cover 85b facing the refrigerated compartment 13. The insulating material 85a is made of an insulating material such as polyurethane foam. The decorative cover 85b is made of a resin such as ABS resin. Therefore, the decorative cover 85b facing the refrigerated compartment 13 improves the appearance. Furthermore, the insulating material 85a suppresses the cooling of the decorative cover 85b due to heat exchange with the cold air in the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 and the refrigerated cooler 32, thereby suppressing condensation on the decorative cover 85b.

[0044] [1-2. Operation] The operation of refrigerator 1, configured as described above, will be explained below. First, the compressor 50 is driven to send the refrigerant to the condenser 51, and by switching the switching valve, the refrigerant is sent to either the refrigeration cooler 32 or the freezing cooler 41.

[0045] The refrigerant sent to the refrigerator cooler 32 flows in through the inlet header 66 of the refrigerant conduction member 60 and flows through the interior of the lower region 65. The refrigerant that flows to the outlet header 67 flows through the middle region 64 via the outlet header 67, is sent to the inlet header 66, and flows through the upper region 63 via the inlet header 66. The refrigerant that has flowed through the upper region 63 flows out from the outlet header 67 and is returned to the compressor 50.

[0046] With refrigerant flowing inside the refrigerant conductive member 60, the refrigeration fan 33 is driven, causing the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 to flow into the refrigeration cooling compartment 30 through the intake port 87. At this time, the air inside the compartment is guided upward along the louvers 89 and passes through the air passage 72 of the refrigeration cooler 32. After that, the air inside the compartment flows from the bottom to the top of the refrigerator compartment duct 31. In other words, the direction of airflow of the cold air passing through the refrigeration cooler 32 is from the bottom to the top of the refrigeration cooler 32. As a result, the air inside the refrigerator compartment 13 is cooled by exchanging heat with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant conductive member 60.

[0047] The refrigerant sent to the refrigeration cooler 41 exchanges heat with the air inside the refrigeration cooling chamber 40, which flows from the bottom to the top, by driving the refrigeration fan 42, and the air cooled by the refrigerant is returned to the freezer chamber 14.

[0048] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the refrigeration cooling chamber 30 is equipped with a refrigeration cooler 32 for cooling the refrigerator compartment 13, the refrigeration cooler 32 is composed of a microchannel type cooler, the refrigerator compartment 13 and the refrigeration cooling chamber 30 are separated by a partition wall 85, the partition wall 85 is equipped with an intake port 87 that connects the refrigerator compartment 13 and the refrigeration cooling chamber 30, and the intake port 87 is formed such that the height of its upper end 87a is greater than or equal to the height of the lower end 32a of the front surface of the refrigeration cooler 32. This configuration prevents air from stagnating after entering through the intake port 87. As a result, air can flow more easily through the refrigeration cooler 32, improving cooling efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, the refrigerator compartment 13 is equipped with a low-temperature compartment 16 inside it, which is said to be at a lower temperature than the refrigerator compartment 13, and the refrigerated cooling compartment 30 is located on the rear side of the low-temperature compartment 16. With this configuration, the temperature difference between the refrigerator compartment 13 side and the refrigerated cooling compartment 30 side of the partition wall 85 is reduced, so even if the thickness of the partition wall 85 is reduced, condensation on the partition wall 85 can be suppressed. Therefore, the decrease in the internal volume of the refrigerator compartment 13 can be suppressed.

[0050] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 is equipped with a refrigeration fan 33 that circulates the cold air cooled by the refrigeration cooler 32 into the refrigerator compartment 13, and the refrigeration fan 33 is positioned above the upper surface 16a of the low-temperature compartment 16. This configuration suppresses heat exchange between the refrigeration fan 33 and the low-temperature chamber 16. Consequently, condensation, frost, or freezing of the refrigeration fan 33 can be suppressed, improving the reliability of the refrigeration fan 33.

[0051] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 is equipped with a low-temperature chamber duct 31a that connects the refrigeration cooling chamber 30 and the low-temperature chamber 16, and the low-temperature chamber duct 31a is equipped with a low-temperature chamber damper 36a whose opening and closing can be changed, and the low-temperature chamber damper 36a is positioned above the upper surface 16a of the low-temperature chamber 16. This configuration suppresses heat exchange between the low-temperature chamber damper 36a and the low-temperature chamber 16. Consequently, condensation, frost, or freezing of the low-temperature chamber damper 36a can be suppressed, improving the reliability of the low-temperature chamber damper 36a.

[0052] Furthermore, the refrigerator cooler 32 comprises a plurality of flat tubes 61 arranged substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals, an air passage 72 formed between each of the flat tubes 61, and fins 73 provided inside the air passage 72, and the refrigerator cooler 32 is installed so that the flat tubes 61 are in contact with the partition wall 85. This configuration prevents air from passing through the space between the flat pipe 61 and the partition wall 85 without passing through the air passage 72. As a result, air can flow more easily into the air passage 72 where the fins 73 are provided, improving cooling efficiency.

[0053] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 is equipped with louvers 89 that guide air drawn into the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 via an intake port 87, and the louvers 89 are positioned so that they are higher on the side of the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 than on the side of the refrigerated compartment 13. In this configuration, the air drawn into the refrigeration chamber 30 from the intake port 87 is guided upward by the louvers 89. As a result, the air can pass more easily through the refrigeration cooler 32, improving cooling efficiency.

[0054] Furthermore, the refrigerator 1 is equipped with louvers 89 that guide air drawn into the refrigeration cooling chamber 30 via an intake port 87, and the louvers 89 are inclined toward the fins 73. In this configuration, the air drawn into the refrigerated cooling chamber 30 from the intake port 87 is guided to the fins 73 by the louvers 89. As a result, the air can more easily pass through the air passage 72 of the refrigerated cooler 32, improving cooling efficiency.

[0055] (Other embodiments) As described above, Embodiment 1 has been explained as an example of the technology disclosed in this application. However, the technology in this disclosure is not limited to this and can be applied to embodiments that have been modified, replaced, added, or omitted. Furthermore, it is possible to create new embodiments by combining the components described in Embodiment 1 above. Therefore, other embodiments are illustrated below.

[0056] In Embodiment 1, it was explained that the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 of the partition wall 85 is approximately the same as the height of the lower end 32a of the front of the refrigerator 32. The relationship between the height of the upper end 87a and the height of the lower end 32a of the front is sufficient as long as the partition wall 85 and the lower end 32a of the front do not form a corner space within the refrigerator cooling chamber 30. Therefore, the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 is not limited to approximately the same as the height of the lower end 32a of the front of the refrigerator 32, and the height of the upper end 87a of the intake port 87 may be greater than or equal to the height of the lower end 32a of the front of the refrigerator 32.

[0057] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, it was explained that three louvers 89 are arranged vertically in the intake port 87. Any louver 89 that can guide the air drawn in from the intake port 87 upwards is acceptable. Therefore, multiple louvers 89 may be arranged in the front-to-back direction, and the number of louvers 89 may be changed arbitrarily. However, as in Embodiment 1, if the number of louvers 89 is the same as the number of air passages 72 arranged in the front-to-back direction, it is easy to establish a one-to-one correspondence between each louver 89 and each air passage 72. By tilting each louver 89 toward each air passage 72, it becomes easier to equalize the amount of air flowing into each air passage 72.

[0058] Since the embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes of the technology described herein, various modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc., can be made within the claims or their equivalents. [Industrial applicability]

[0059] This disclosure is suitably applicable to refrigerators that can improve cooling efficiency. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1. Refrigerator 10 Main Unit 11 Upper partition plate 12 Lower partition plate 13 Refrigerator 14 Freezer 15. Vegetable compartment 16 Cold room 16a Top side 17 shelves 18 Ice maker 20 Refrigerator door 21 Freezer drawer door 22 Freezer drawer cases 23. Drawer door for vegetable compartment 24. Drawer case for vegetable compartment 30 Refrigerated Cooling Chamber 31 Refrigerator duct 31a Low-temperature chamber duct 32 Refrigerator Cooler 32a Lower edge of the front 33 Refrigerator fan 33a Casing 35 Refrigerated air outlet 35a Outlet for cold room 36a Low-temperature chamber damper 37. Refrigerator drip tray 38 Refrigerator drain pipe 39 Shielding plate 40 Refrigeration cooling room 41 Refrigeration cooler 42 Refrigeration fan 43 Refrigeration outlet 44 Glass tube heater 45 Communication hole 46. ​​Drip tray for freezer 47 Evaporating dish 48 Refrigeration drain pipe 50 Compressors 51 Condenser 52 Switching valve 53. Refrigeration vacuum means (refrigeration capillary tube) 54. Depressurization means for freezing (capillary tube for freezing) 55 Refrigerant return piping 55a Refrigerated return pipe 55b Refrigeration return piping 60 Refrigerant conductive member 61 Flat tube 61a Bend part 62 Curved Section 63 Upper area 64 Chubu region 65 Lower area 66 Entrance side header 67 Exit side header 68 Inlet side piping 69 Outlet side piping 70 partition plates 71 Partition Plate 72 Airflow channels 73 Fin 85 Partition wall 85a insulation 85b Cosmetic cover 87 Inlet 87a top end 89 Louvers

Claims

1. In a refrigerator equipped with at least a refrigerator compartment and a cooling compartment for refrigeration, The aforementioned refrigerated cooling chamber is equipped with a refrigerated cooler for cooling the refrigerated chamber, The aforementioned refrigeration cooler is composed of a microchannel type cooler having multiple air passages oriented in the vertical direction, The aforementioned refrigerator compartment and the aforementioned cooling compartment for refrigeration are separated by a partition wall. The partition wall is provided with an intake port that connects the refrigerator compartment and the refrigeration cooling compartment. The aforementioned intake port is formed such that the height of its upper end is greater than or equal to the height of the lower end of the front surface of the refrigerator. The partition wall is composed of an insulating material and a decorative cover facing the refrigerator compartment. At the upper end of the aforementioned intake port, the heat insulating material and the decorative cover are provided at approximately the same height. The refrigerator comprises a plurality of flattened tubes arranged substantially parallel to each other at predetermined intervals, an air passage formed between each of the flattened tubes, and fins provided inside the air passage. The refrigerator is provided such that the flattened tube is in contact with the partition wall. The height of the lower end of the front surface of the refrigerated cooler is higher than the height of the lower end of the fins. A refrigerator characterized by the following features.

2. The aforementioned refrigerator compartment is equipped with a low-temperature compartment inside it, which is set to a lower temperature than the aforementioned refrigerator compartment. The aforementioned refrigerated cooling chamber is located on the rear side of the low-temperature chamber. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

3. The refrigerator is equipped with a cooling fan that circulates the cold air cooled by the aforementioned cooling unit into the refrigerator compartment. The refrigeration fan is positioned above the top surface of the low-temperature chamber. The refrigerator according to feature 2.

4. The refrigerator cooling chamber and the low-temperature chamber are connected by a low-temperature chamber duct, The aforementioned low-temperature chamber duct is equipped with a low-temperature chamber damper whose opening and closing can be changed. The low-temperature chamber damper is positioned above the upper surface of the low-temperature chamber. The refrigerator according to feature 2 or 3.

5. The system includes louvers that guide the air drawn into the refrigeration cooling chamber through the aforementioned intake port, The louvers are positioned such that the side facing the refrigeration cooling chamber is higher than the side facing the refrigerator compartment. A refrigerator according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. The system includes louvers that guide the air drawn into the refrigeration cooling chamber through the aforementioned intake port, The louvers are inclined toward the fins. The refrigerator according to feature 1.

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