refrigerator

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that hardly causes a variation in the position of a sensor for measuring the temperature of a cooler.SOLUTION: A refrigerator comprises: a case 11 comprising an inner box 13 comprising an opening part of a storage chamber on a front side, an outer box 14 combined with the inner box 13, and forming an outer frame of the refrigerator, and a thermal insulation part between the inner box 13 and the outer box 14; a cooler 30 provided inside the inner box 13, and for generating cold air; and a sensor 17 for measuring the temperature of the cooler 30. A fitting component 60 is fitted inside the inner box 13. The fitting component 60 comprises a protruding shape part 63 protruding frontward from a portion fitted to the inner box 13. The protruding shape part 63 is a sensor fitting part fitted with the cooler 30 and the sensor 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators.

Background Art

[0002] If cold air continues to be generated in the cooler of a refrigerator, frost will adhere to the cooler, and the cooling capacity of the cooler will decrease. Therefore, defrosting to remove the frost adhering to the cooler is performed when predetermined conditions are satisfied. Defrosting is performed by raising the temperature of the cooler by a method such as heating with a heater. During defrosting, a temperature sensor (a detector that measures temperature) measures the temperature of the cooler. And when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature, defrosting ends.

[0003] The temperature sensor used at this time is attached to the refrigerant pipe constituting the cooler. Specifically, as described in Patent Document 1, the sensor holding member is bridged over a plurality of locations of the refrigerant pipe that extends while curving. And the temperature sensor is held by the sensor holding member. Thereby, the temperature sensor is arranged close to the refrigerant pipe, and the temperature of the refrigerant pipe can be measured.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in the above configuration where the temperature sensor is attached only to the refrigerant pipe, the position of the temperature sensor will shift from its normal position when the refrigerant pipe deforms. Furthermore, since refrigerant pipes are easily deformed, in the above configuration, there is a risk that many products will have the temperature sensor positioned from the normal position, resulting in variations in the temperature sensor position from product to product. If there are variations in the temperature sensor position, there is a risk that the defrosting performance will vary from product to product, and there is a risk that some products will have poor defrosting performance.

[0006] Furthermore, in the above configuration where temperature sensors are attached only to the refrigerant pipes, even if there is no deformation of the refrigerant pipes, variations in the mounting position of the temperature sensors are likely to occur. As a result, there is a risk that the defrosting performance will vary from product to product, and there is a risk that some products may have poor defrosting performance.

[0007] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator in which the position of the sensor that measures the temperature of the cooler is less prone to variation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The refrigerator of the embodiment comprises an inner box having an opening for a storage compartment at the front, an outer box that combines with the inner box to form the outer casing of the refrigerator, a housing comprising an insulating section between the inner box and the outer box, a cooler provided inside the inner box to generate cold air, and a detector for measuring the temperature of the cooler, wherein a mounting component is attached to the inside of the inner box, the mounting component has a protruding portion that extends forward from the portion attached to the inner box, and the protruding portion is, It opens forward. The cooler and the detector are attached to the detector mounting section. Furthermore, by moving the cooler to the rear and attaching it to the detector mounting section, the cooler is in contact with the detector located behind the cooler in the detector mounting section. It is characterized by the following: [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A cross-sectional view of a refrigerator. [Figure 2] Front view of a refrigerator. [Figure 3]A perspective view of the cooler, seen from the front and slightly above. To make the cooler visible, some of the piping and other components are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 4] A perspective view of the cooler, seen from the upper right. To make the cooler visible, some of the piping and other components are indicated by dashed lines. [Figure 5] A block diagram centered on the control unit. [Figure 6] A perspective view of the enclosure with a cooling unit. [Figure 7] Enlarged perspective view of the area around the cooler in an enclosure equipped with a cooler. [Figure 8] Front view of the reinforcing plate. [Figure 9] A perspective view of the reinforcing plate, seen from the upper right. [Figure 10] A perspective view of the reinforcing plate, seen from the upper left. [Figure 11] A perspective view of the detector mounting section, seen from the lower left. This diagram shows the state without the first temperature sensor. [Figure 12] A perspective view of the detector mounting section, seen from the lower left. The diagram shows the first temperature sensor installed. [Figure 13] A side view of the detector mounting section, seen from the right. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are illustrative and the scope of the invention is not limited thereto. The following embodiments can be carried out in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The following embodiments and their variations are included in the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0011] Figures 1 and 2 show a refrigerator 10 according to an embodiment. The casing 11 of the refrigerator 10 has an outer box 12 that forms the outer shell of the refrigerator 10, an inner box 13 that is combined with the outer box 12, and an insulating section 14 between the outer box 12 and the inner box 13. The insulating section 14 is filled with insulating material. The insulating material is sandwiched between the outer box 12 and the inner box 13.

[0012] The inside of the housing 11 is partitioned vertically by a heat insulating partition wall 21. Above the heat insulating partition wall 21 is a refrigerating space. The refrigerating space is maintained at a refrigerating temperature which is suitable for refrigerated storage. Also, below the heat insulating partition wall 21 is a freezing space. The freezing space is maintained at a freezing temperature which is suitable for frozen storage.

[0013] In the refrigerating space and the freezing space, a plurality of storage chambers for storing food are respectively provided. Each storage chamber has an opening at the front, and the user can take food in and out through the opening.

[0014] In the refrigerating space, a refrigerator compartment 20 and a vegetable compartment 22 as storage chambers are provided in order from above. A plurality of placing shelves 24 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 20. The periphery of the placing shelves 24 in the refrigerator compartment 20 is maintained at, for example, 2 to 5 °C within the range of the refrigerating temperature. A chiller compartment 26 is provided at the lower part in the refrigerator compartment 20. The chiller compartment 26 is a place which is maintained at a particularly low temperature even inside the refrigerator compartment 20, and is maintained at, for example, 0 to 3 °C.

[0015] The front opening of the refrigerator compartment 20 is opened and closed by a pair of French-style (hinged) refrigerator compartment doors 50 and 51 on the left and right. An operation panel 15 is provided on the left refrigerator compartment door 50. The operation panel 15 is a part where the user operates the refrigerator 10, and is also a part which displays necessary information to the user.

[0016] The vegetable compartment 22 is maintained at, for example, 4 to 7 °C within the range of the refrigerating temperature. A drawer-type storage container is stored in the vegetable compartment 22. The front opening of the vegetable compartment 22 is opened and closed by a drawer-type vegetable compartment door 52.

[0017] An ice making chamber (not shown) is provided at the upper left side of the freezing space. Also, a small freezing compartment 27 is provided at the upper right side (right side of the ice making chamber) of the freezing space. A freezing compartment 28 is provided below the ice making chamber and the small freezing compartment 27. Drawer-type storage containers are respectively stored in the small freezing compartment 27 and the freezing compartment 28. The interiors of the ice making chamber, the small freezing compartment 27 and the freezing compartment 28 are maintained at, for example, -20 to -18 °C within the range of the freezing temperature during normal operation.

[0018] The front opening of the ice-making compartment is opened and closed by a pull-out ice-making compartment door 53. The front opening of the small freezer compartment 27 is opened and closed by a pull-out small freezer compartment door 54. The front opening of the freezer compartment 28 is opened and closed by a pull-out freezer compartment door 55.

[0019] A first cooling chamber 35 is provided behind the refrigerated space. The first cooling chamber 35 is a space formed between the inner box 13 of the enclosure 11 and the wall 19 that constitutes the back of the storage chamber. A first cooler 30 that generates cold air and a first fan 32 that acts as a blower to circulate the generated cold air are provided in this first cooling chamber 35. The cold air generated by the first cooler 30 is blown out into the refrigerated space through a duct 31 that extends upward from the first cooler 30 and circulates within the refrigerated space. The cold air that has circulated within the refrigerated space returns to the location of the first cooler 30.

[0020] Furthermore, behind the freezing space, there is a second cooler 33 that generates cold air and a second fan 34 that acts as a blower to circulate the generated cold air. The cold air generated by the second cooler 33 is blown into the freezing space, circulates within the freezing space, and then returns to the location of the second cooler 33.

[0021] A machine room 36 is provided at the lower rear of the refrigerator 10. The machine room 36 houses a compressor 37, a condenser (not shown), and the like. The compressor 37, condenser, first cooler 30, second cooler 33, etc. constitute a well-known refrigeration cycle device. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 37 flows alternately through the first cooler 30 and the second cooler 33, thereby generating cold air alternately in the first cooler 30 and the second cooler 33.

[0022] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first cooler 30 comprises a single refrigerant pipe 40 and numerous fins (plates) 41. The refrigerant pipe 40 is a tube through which the refrigerant passes. Each fin 41 is connected to the refrigerant pipe 40. Heat exchange takes place between the refrigerant passing through the refrigerant pipe 40 and the air in contact with the fins 41. This heat exchange generates cold air in the first cooler 30. The refrigerant pipe 40 and the fins 41 are made of a material suitable for heat exchange, such as aluminum or copper.

[0023] The refrigerant pipe 40 extends linearly in the left-right direction (lateral direction) from the center of the first cooler 30, and curves in a U-shape on both the left and right sides of the first cooler 30. The refrigerant pipe 40 extends while repeating such linear portions 40a and curved portions 40b. As a result, multiple rows of the linear portions 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40 are formed in the front-to-back direction (3 rows in Figures 3 and 4). In addition, multiple rows of the linear portions 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40 are formed in the up-to-down direction (4 rows in Figures 3 and 4).

[0024] Furthermore, each fin 41 is positioned perpendicular to the extension direction (i.e., left-right direction) of the straight portion 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40. Each fin 41 also connects multiple straight portions 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40 in the front-to-back and up-and-down directions. In addition, these fins 41 are arranged at equal intervals in the left-to-right direction. However, the spacing of the fins 41 at the top of the first cooler 30 is narrower than the spacing of the fins 41 at the bottom of the first cooler 30.

[0025] In the first cooler 30, the refrigerant flows from the top to the bottom of the first cooler 30, meandering along the inside of the refrigerant pipe 40. Of the many connection points between the refrigerant pipe 40 and the fins 41, the upstream portion of the refrigerant flow is the refrigerant inlet 45 to the first cooler 30 (see Figures 3 and 10). At this inlet 45, the refrigerant passes through the connection point between the refrigerant pipe 40 and the fins 41 for the first time. The surface of this inlet 45 (cross-section of the refrigerant pipe 40) is on the same plane as the upstream fin 41a of the refrigerant flow.

[0026] Of the numerous straight sections 40a formed in the refrigerant pipe 40, the last row in the front-to-back direction and the uppermost straight section 40aa in the vertical direction (see Figures 3 and 10) is the straight section 40aa located at the uppermost upstream of the refrigerant flow in the first cooler 30. The end of this straight section 40aa is the refrigerant inlet 45 to the first cooler 30. Also, the lowest straight section 40a in the vertical direction is the refrigerant outlet 46 from the first cooler 30 (see Figure 3).

[0027] The same structure consisting of refrigerant pipes 40 and fins 41 is also found in the second cooler 33. However, the number of rows and steps formed by the straight portion 40a of the refrigerant pipes 40, the number of fins 41, etc., may differ between the first cooler 30 and the second cooler 33.

[0028] Upstream of the refrigerant flow from the first cooler 30, a capillary tube 42 (shown as a dashed line in Figures 3 and 4, and as a solid line in Figure 7) is provided to reduce the pressure of the refrigerant. Downstream of the refrigerant flow from the first cooler 30, an accumulator 43 is provided to separate the gas and liquid phases of the refrigerant. Therefore, the refrigerant flows in the order of capillary tube 42, first cooler 30, and accumulator 43. The capillary tube 42 and accumulator 43 are located inside the first cooling chamber 35 together with the first cooler 30.

[0029] The capillary tube 42 is positioned above the first cooler 30 and parallel to the straight portion 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40. Furthermore, the capillary tube 42 is positioned above the frontmost straight portion 40a of the refrigerant pipe 40.

[0030] The downstream end of the refrigerant in the capillary tube 42 and the refrigerant inlet 45 to the first cooler 30 in the refrigerant pipe 40 are facing the same direction (to the left where the accumulator 43 is located). These downstream ends of the refrigerant in the capillary tube 42 and the refrigerant inlet 45 in the refrigerant pipe 40 are connected by an extension pipe 44 (shown as a dashed line in Figures 3 and 4, and as a solid line in Figure 7). The extension pipe 44 and the refrigerant pipe 40 are formed as a single pipe. Therefore, the extension pipe 44 is also the portion of the refrigerant pipe 40 that extends toward the end of the capillary tube 42. The extension pipe 44 curves from the end of the capillary tube 42 at the front toward the inlet 45 at the rear.

[0031] The accumulator 43 is located to the left of the first cooler 30, which is one side in the left-right direction. In the accumulator 43, the refrigerant inlet is at the bottom and the refrigerant outlet is at the top. The refrigerant outlet 46 from the first cooler 30 and the refrigerant inlet to the accumulator 43 are connected by a pipe 47. In addition, a pipe 48 (shown as a dashed line in Figures 3 and 4, and as a solid line in Figure 7) leading to the compressor 37 is connected to the refrigerant outlet from the accumulator 43. This pipe 48 extends horizontally above the first cooler 30.

[0032] As described above, a first fan 32 (see Figure 1) is provided near the first cooler 30. The first fan 32 rotates to send refrigerated air to the first cooler 30, melting and removing any frost that has accumulated on the first cooler 30 (i.e., defrosting). Therefore, the first fan 32 also functions as a defrosting device. Defrosting by the first fan 32 is performed when certain conditions are met, for example, when cold air is continuously generated in the first cooler 30 for a predetermined period of time.

[0033] A defrosting device 39 (see Figure 1) is provided near the second cooler 33. When power is supplied to the defrosting device 39, it heats up and melts and removes the frost that has accumulated on the second cooler 33 (i.e., it performs defrosting). Defrosting by the defrosting device 39 is performed when predetermined conditions are met, for example, when cold air is continuously generated in the second cooler 33 for a predetermined period of time.

[0034] Furthermore, a first temperature sensor 17, which is a detector for measuring temperature, is provided with respect to the first cooler 30. As shown in Figures 3, 12, and 13, the first temperature sensor 17 is provided in contact with or close to the refrigerant pipe 40 of the first cooler 30 so that it can measure the temperature of the refrigerant pipe 40 of the first cooler 30. When the first temperature sensor 17 is close to the refrigerant pipe 40, the distance between the first temperature sensor 17 and the refrigerant pipe 40 is, for example, 5 mm or less.

[0035] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the accumulator 43 is provided with a second temperature sensor 18, which is a second detector for measuring temperature. The second temperature sensor 18 is positioned in contact with or close to the accumulator 43 so that it can measure the temperature of the accumulator 43. When the second temperature sensor 18 is close to the accumulator 43, the distance between the second temperature sensor 18 and the accumulator 43 is, for example, 5 mm or less. The second temperature sensor 18 is also positioned to the right of the center of the accumulator 43 in the left-right direction, towards the first cooler 30. The second temperature sensor 18 is also positioned behind the center of the accumulator 43 in the front-rear direction.

[0036] Since the refrigerant discharged from the first cooler 30 flows into the accumulator 43, and the second temperature sensor 18 is close to the first cooler 30, it can be said that the second temperature sensor 18 indirectly measures the temperature of the first cooler 30.

[0037] Furthermore, the second cooler 33 is also provided with a temperature sensor (not shown), which is a detector for measuring temperature. This temperature sensor is positioned in contact with or close to the refrigerant pipe 40 of the second cooler 33 so that it can measure the temperature of the refrigerant pipe 40 of the second cooler 33.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5, the refrigerator 10 is equipped with a control unit 16. The control unit 16 is connected to an operation panel 15, a compressor 37, a first fan 32, a second fan 34, a first temperature sensor 17, a second temperature sensor 18, a defrosting device 39, and the like. The control unit 16 controls the connected devices based on input from the operation panel 15 and measurements from various sensors.

[0039] As described above, when the predetermined conditions are met, the first fan 32 defrosts the first cooler 30. However, when the temperature of the first cooler 30 rises due to defrosting and reaches a predetermined temperature, the control unit 16 terminates the defrosting of the first cooler 30 by stopping the rotation of the first fan 32.

[0040] In the control for ending the defrosting of the first cooler 30, the first temperature sensor 17 and the second temperature sensor 18 each measure the temperature. The control unit 16 recognizes which sensor is heating up more slowly, and when the temperature measured by the sensor that is heating up more slowly reaches the predetermined temperature, it ends the defrosting of the first cooler 30. During normal defrosting, the part of the first cooler 30 closest to the refrigerant inlet 45 is the part that is heating up more slowly, and as will be described later, the first temperature sensor 17 is installed in the part closest to the refrigerant inlet 45, so the first temperature sensor 17 heats up more slowly than the second temperature sensor 18. Therefore, normally, when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 17 reaches the predetermined temperature, the control unit 16 ends the defrosting of the first cooler 30.

[0041] However, when a large amount of liquid refrigerant has accumulated in the accumulator 43, the temperature rise of the second temperature sensor 18 may be slower than that of the first temperature sensor 17. In that case, when the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 18 reaches the predetermined temperature, the control unit 16 terminates the defrosting of the first cooler 30.

[0042] Similarly, when predetermined conditions are met, the defrosting device 39 defrosts the second cooler 33. However, when the temperature of the second cooler 33 rises due to defrosting and reaches a predetermined temperature, the control unit 16 terminates the defrosting of the second cooler 33 by cutting off the power supply to the defrosting device 39.

[0043] Inside the first cooling chamber 35 shown in Figure 1, a mounting component 60 is attached to the inner box 13 as shown in Figures 6 and 7. The mounting component 60 is fixed to the inner box 13 by fasteners (not shown), such as screws, in such a way that at least a part of it is in close contact with the inner box 13. The first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 are attached to this mounting component 60 in a manner that will be described later.

[0044] As shown in Figures 8 to 10, the mounting component 60 has a single plate-like portion 62. The plate-like portion 62 has a rear plate-like portion 62a and front plate-like portions 62b that extend forward from the rear plate-like portion 62a on both the left and right sides. The lower end of the rear plate-like portion 62a is below the lower end of the front plate-like portion 62b and is the lower end of the entire plate-like portion 62. On the front surface of the entire plate-like portion 62 (the surface opposite to the side that is in close contact with the inner box 13), numerous ribs 61 are formed in a grid pattern to ensure strength. The plate-like portion 62 of the mounting component 60 is the part that is directly attached to the inner box 13.

[0045] The mounting component 60 is provided with multiple protruding parts that extend forward from the rear plate-shaped portion 62a of the plate-shaped portion 62. At least the detector mounting portion 63, the front pipe mounting portion 64, the rear pipe mounting portion 65, and multiple wiring holding portions 66 shown in Figures 8 to 10 are provided as protruding parts.

[0046] As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the detector mounting section 63 is the part to which the first temperature sensor 17 and the refrigerant pipe 40 are attached. The front pipe mounting section 64 is the part to which the piping 48 leading from the accumulator 43 to the compressor 37 and the front portion 44a of the extension pipe 44 (the portion aligned with the capillary tube 42) are attached, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 10. The rear pipe mounting section 65 is the part to which the rear portion 44b of the extension pipe 44 (the portion next to the refrigerant inlet 45 to the first cooler 30) is attached, as shown in Figure 10. The wiring holding section 66 is the part to which the wiring 67 connected to the first temperature sensor 17 (see Figures 3 and 4) is held.

[0047] The detector mounting section 63 and the rear pipe mounting section 65 protrude below the lower end of the plate-shaped section 62. The detector mounting section 63 is located near the right end of the rear plate-shaped section 62a of the plate-shaped section 62, and the rear pipe mounting section 65 is located near the left end of the rear plate-shaped section 62a of the plate-shaped section 62. The front pipe mounting section 64 is located above the detector mounting section 63 and the rear pipe mounting section 65 in the vertical direction, and between the detector mounting section 63 and the rear pipe mounting section 65 in the horizontal direction.

[0048] Multiple wiring retaining sections 66 are arranged horizontally above the detector mounting section 63, the front pipe mounting section 64, and the rear pipe mounting section 65. Three wiring retaining sections 66 are arranged in a single line horizontally near the upper end of the rear plate-shaped section 62a. In addition, one wiring retaining section 66 is provided on the left front plate-shaped section 62b. These wiring retaining sections 66 are located above the first cooler 30.

[0049] The mounting component 60 is a single resin molded part. The plate-shaped portion 62, the detector mounting portion 63, the front pipe mounting portion 64, the rear pipe mounting portion 65, and the multiple wiring holding portions 66 are all molded as a single resin molded part.

[0050] As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the detector mounting section 63 has left and right holding sections 70 and 71 that protrude forward. The left and right holding sections 70 and 71 are formed at the tips of the protruding sections 72 and 73 (see Figures 11 and 12), which protrude forward from the plate-shaped section 62. When viewed from the left, the left and right holding sections 70 and 71 are roughly C-shaped and open forward. The left and right holding sections 70 and 71 are at the same position in the front-to-back direction and at the same height in the up-to-down direction.

[0051] The refrigerant pipe 40 is fitted and held in these holding parts 70 and 71, thereby attaching the first cooler 30 to the mounting part 60. From this, it can be said that the detector mounting part 63 is also the cooler mounting part. The straight portion 40aa of the refrigerant pipe 40 held in the holding parts 70 and 71 is held horizontally. The straight portion 40aa held in the holding parts 70 and 71 is the straight portion 40aa at the uppermost upstream of the refrigerant flow in the first cooler 30 (i.e., the last row in the front-to-back direction and the uppermost straight portion 40aa in the up-to-down direction).

[0052] Furthermore, in the portion where the holding parts 70 and 71 hold the refrigerant pipe 40, and in the surrounding area, the refrigerant pipe 40 is not provided with fins 41.

[0053] A hole 74 is formed in the protruding portion 72 behind the left-side retaining portion 70. This hole 74 is through which the wiring 67 to the first temperature sensor 17 passes. This hole 74 opens forward.

[0054] The detector mounting section 63 further has left and right fitting sections 75 provided between the two holding sections 70 and 71. The left and right fitting sections 75 are each roughly C-shaped and open forward when viewed from the left. The left and right fitting sections 75 are the same in position in the front-to-back direction and in height in the up-to-down direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 12, the cylindrical first temperature sensor 17 is fitted and held in these fitting sections 75 in a horizontal position. Therefore, the fitting sections 75 are holding sections that hold the first temperature sensor 17. The first temperature sensor 17 held in the left and right fitting sections 75 is held horizontally.

[0055] A wiring harness 67 is connected to the first temperature sensor 17, which is held in the mating portion 75. As shown in Figure 12, this wiring harness 67 passes through a hole 74 behind the holding portion 70 and extends toward the upper wiring holding portion 66, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0056] As shown in Figures 8 to 12, the left and right fitting portions 75 and the left and right holding portions 70 and 71 are connected vertically by protruding plates 76 and 77 that project forward from the plate-shaped portion 62. The left and right fitting portions 75 and the left and right holding portions 70 and 71 are connected by the protruding plates 76 and 77, forming a single protruding shape as a whole.

[0057] The left and right fitting portions 75 are located behind the left and right retaining portions 70 and 71. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 17 fitted into the fitting portion 75 is located behind the refrigerant pipe 40 (more specifically, the uppermost straight portion 40aa of the refrigerant flow in the refrigerant pipe 40) fitted into the retaining portions 70 and 71. Since the first temperature sensor 17 is in contact with or close to the refrigerant pipe 40, it can measure the temperature of the refrigerant pipe 40.

[0058] As shown in Figure 9, the front pipe mounting portion 64 has a projection 78 that protrudes forward. Two retaining portions 79 and 80 are formed as part of the projection 78. The two retaining portions 79 and 80 are the front retaining portion 79 formed at the tip of the projection 78 and the retaining portion 80 formed behind the front retaining portion 79, as shown in Figures 4, 9 and 10. The two retaining portions 79 and 80 are roughly C-shaped and open forward when viewed from the left.

[0059] As shown in Figures 4 and 10, the front portion 44a of the extension pipe 44 is fitted into the front retaining portion 79 of the front pipe mounting section 64. Since the extension pipe 44 is an extended portion of the refrigerant pipe 40 of the first cooler 30, the front portion 44a of the extension pipe 44 is fitted into the retaining portion 79, thereby attaching the first cooler 30 to the mounting part 60. From this, it can be said that the front pipe mounting section 64 is a cooler mounting section. In addition, the piping 48 that goes from the accumulator 43 to the compressor 37 is fitted into the rear retaining portion 80.

[0060] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the rear pipe mounting section 65 has a projection 81 that protrudes forward. A retaining section 82 is formed at the tip of the projection 81 as part of the projection 81. The retaining section 82 is roughly C-shaped when viewed from the left and opens forward. The rear pipe mounting section 65 is at the same height as the detector mounting section 63 and is separated from the detector mounting section 63 in the lateral direction (left-right direction) of the refrigerator.

[0061] As shown in Figure 10, the rear portion 44b of the extension pipe 44 is fitted into the retaining portion 82 of the rear pipe mounting section 65. Since the extension pipe 44 is an extended portion of the refrigerant pipe 40 of the first cooler 30, the first cooler 30 is attached to the mounting part 60 when the rear portion 44b of the extension pipe 44 is fitted into the retaining portion 82. From this, it can be said that the rear pipe mounting section 65 is a cooler mounting section.

[0062] As shown in Figure 10, the rear portion 44b of the extension pipe 44, which is attached to the rear pipe mounting portion 65, lies on the same straight line as the straight portion 40aa of the refrigerant pipe 40 that is attached to the detector mounting portion 63 (more specifically, the straight portion 40aa held by the holding portions 70 and 71). The boundary between the rear portion 44b of the extension pipe 44 and the straight portion 40aa of the refrigerant pipe 40 that is attached to the detector mounting portion 63 is the refrigerant inlet 45 of the first cooler 30.

[0063] In this manner, the refrigerant pipe 40 is attached to the detector mounting section 63, and extension pipes 44 are attached to the front pipe mounting section 64 and the rear pipe mounting section 65, respectively, so that the first cooler 30 is mounted in front of the plate-shaped portion 62 of the mounting component 60.

[0064] The distance in the left-right direction between the retaining parts 70 and 71 of the detector mounting section 63 and the retaining part 82 of the rear pipe mounting section 65 (more precisely, the left-right length from the end of the retaining part 70 of the detector mounting section 63 on the side of the rear pipe mounting section 65 to the end of the retaining part 82 of the rear pipe mounting section 65 on the side of the detector mounting section 63) is more than half of the left-right length of the first cooler 30.

[0065] As shown in Figure 4, each of the multiple wiring retaining sections 66 consists of an upwardly opening hook-shaped section 66a and a roof-shaped section 66b provided above the hook-shaped section 66a. The hook-shaped section 66a is the part on which the wiring 67 is hung, and the roof-shaped section 66b is the part that prevents the wiring 67 that is hooked onto the hook-shaped section 66a from coming out upward.

[0066] The wiring 67 connected to the first temperature sensor 17 passes through the hole 74 in the detector mounting section 63 and exits the first cooling chamber 35 via four wiring retaining sections 66 located above and behind the first cooler 30. The wiring 67 extends almost vertically between the hole 74 in the detector mounting section 63 and the rightmost wiring retaining section 66, thereby avoiding contact with the fins 41 of the first cooler 30.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3, the second temperature sensor 18, which measures the temperature of the accumulator 43, is mounted on the accumulator 43 via an accumulator holding component. The accumulator holding component has two pipe holding parts 57 that hold the pipes 47 and 48 above and below the accumulator 43, and a detector holding part 58 that holds the second temperature sensor 18 between the two pipe holding parts 57.

[0068] The pipe holding section 57 holds the pipes 47 and 48 above and below the accumulator 43, thereby attaching the accumulator holding component to the accumulator 43. The detector holding section 58, located between the two pipe holding sections 57, is positioned to the side of the accumulator 43. The second temperature sensor 18, held by the detector holding section 58, is fixed to the side of the accumulator 43 in contact with or close to the surface of the accumulator 43.

[0069] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wiring 68 connected to the second temperature sensor 18 exits the first cooling chamber 35 via the leftmost wiring holder 66. The wiring holder 66 is located above the accumulator 43 and the second temperature sensor 18. Therefore, the wiring 68 extends almost vertically between the second temperature sensor 18 and the leftmost wiring holder 66. Since the leftmost wiring holder 66 also holds the wiring 67 of the first temperature sensor 17, it holds both wirings 67 and 68.

[0070] A through hole 59 is provided on the right side of the mounting part 60. The piping 48 leading from the capillary tube 42 and accumulator 43 to the compressor 37 passes through this through hole 59 and exits the first cooling chamber 35.

[0071] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, insulating members are placed on both the left and right sides of the first cooler 30 within the first cooling chamber 35. As a result, the air in the first cooling chamber 35 does not flow on both the left and right sides of the first cooler 30, but instead passes through the numerous fins 41 of the first cooler 30, thereby promoting the cooling of the air.

[0072] In the refrigerator 10 with the above configuration, variations in the position of the first temperature sensor 17, which measures the temperature of the first cooler 30, are less likely to occur. Specifically, as described above, a forward-projecting detector mounting portion 63 is provided on a mounting component 60 attached to the inner box 13 of the refrigerator 10, and the first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 are attached to this detector mounting portion 63. Therefore, the position of the first temperature sensor 17 is fixed relative to the inner box 13 and also fixed relative to the first cooler 30. As a result, variations in the position of the first temperature sensor 17 relative to the inner box 13 and the first cooler 30 are less likely to occur.

[0073] Furthermore, because there is little variation in the positional relationship between the first temperature sensor 17 and the first cooler 30, there is little variation in the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 17 from product to product, and therefore there is little variation in the defrosting performance from product to product.

[0074] Furthermore, since the first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 are mounted on the same detector mounting section 63, the number of parts can be reduced compared to the case where the first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 are mounted on separate parts, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the refrigerator 10.

[0075] Furthermore, in the mounting component 60, the front pipe mounting section 64 and the rear pipe mounting section 65, which are cooler mounting sections, are provided in locations different from the detector mounting section 63. The first cooler 30 is attached to the front pipe mounting section 64 and the rear pipe mounting section 65, respectively. As a result, the mounting state between the first cooler 30 and the mounting component 60 is stable, and consequently, the positional relationship between the first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 is also stable. Because the positional relationship between the first cooler 30 and the first temperature sensor 17 is stable, the first temperature sensor 17 can measure the temperature accurately.

[0076] Furthermore, in the mounting component 60, the rear pipe mounting portion 65, which is the cooler mounting portion, is provided at a location separated from the detector mounting portion 63 in the left-right direction of the refrigerator. Since the first cooler 30 is attached to both the detector mounting portion 63 and the rear pipe mounting portion 65, the phenomenon of one side of the first cooler 30 moving back and forth is less likely to occur, and the mounting state between the first cooler 30 and the mounting component 60 is further stabilized.

[0077] Here, the distance between the retaining portion 70 of the detector mounting portion 63 and the retaining portion 82 of the rear pipe mounting portion 65 in the left-right direction is more than half the left-right length of the first cooler 30, so the first cooler 30 is mounted at two locations that are sufficiently far apart. Therefore, displacement of the first cooler 30 is unlikely to occur.

[0078] Furthermore, the straight sections 40a of the refrigerant pipes 40 of the first cooler 30 are arranged in multiple rows in the front-to-back direction, and the last row of straight sections 40a is attached to the detector mounting section 63. Therefore, compared to the case where the straight sections 40a of the front rows are attached to the detector mounting section 63, the shape of the detector mounting section 63 can be simplified, and the installation of the first cooler 30 during the manufacture of the refrigerator 10 is also easier. In particular, since the uppermost straight section 40aa of the last row of straight sections 40a is attached to the detector mounting section 63, the installation of the first cooler 30 during the manufacture of the refrigerator 10 is especially easy.

[0079] Furthermore, in the first cooler 30, the part closer to the refrigerant inlet 45 heats up more slowly during defrosting, making it more likely for frost to remain. However, in this embodiment, the refrigerant inlet 45 to the first cooler 30 is located in the last row of straight section 40a, and this last row of straight section 40a is attached to the detector mounting section 63. Therefore, the first temperature sensor 17 measures the temperature of the last row of straight section 40a, and defrosting is completed when the last row of straight section 40a, which heats up more slowly, reaches a predetermined temperature. As a result, less frost remains after defrosting.

[0080] Furthermore, since a wiring retaining part 66 for holding the wiring 67 connected to the first temperature sensor 17 is provided on the mounting part 60, the wiring 67 can be passed from the detector mounting part 63 to the wiring retaining part 66. This prevents the wiring 67 from being cut by hitting the fins 41 or the like, or from being pulled by only one of the first temperature sensor 17 or the first cooler 30 moving.

[0081] Here, since the mounting component 60 is provided with multiple wiring holding parts 66, the wiring 67 can be guided along the mounting component 60, preventing the wiring 67 from hitting the fins 41 or the like and getting cut.

[0082] Furthermore, the first temperature sensor 17 is provided in the last row of straight section 40a at the rear of the first cooler 30, and a wiring retaining section 66 is provided on the mounting part 60 behind the first cooler 30. Therefore, the distance from the first temperature sensor 17 to the wiring retaining section 66 is short, and the risk of the wiring 67 coming into contact with another object between the first temperature sensor 17 and the wiring retaining section 66 is small.

[0083] Furthermore, although the second temperature sensor 18 is mounted on the accumulator 43, which is located away from the mounting component 60, the mounting component 60 is also provided with a wiring retainer 66 for holding the wiring 68 connected to the second temperature sensor 18. The wiring 68 is then passed from the second temperature sensor 18 to the wiring retainer 66 of the mounting component 60. This prevents the wiring 68 connected to the second temperature sensor 18 from being pulled or cut by hitting the fins 41, etc. In addition, the mounting component 60 can be used as a common retainer for the two wires 67 and 68.

[0084] Various modifications can be made to Embodiment 1. One of the modification examples described below may be applied to the above embodiment, or two or more may be applied to the above embodiment in combination.

[0085] <Example of change 1> In the above embodiment, the second temperature sensor 18 provided on the accumulator 43 is not required. Furthermore, if the accumulator 43 does not have a second temperature sensor 18, a second temperature detector may be provided at a location other than the accumulator 43 and away from the mounting component 60. Even when a second detector is provided in this manner, it is preferable that the mounting component 60 includes a wiring holder for holding the wiring connected to the second detector.

[0086] <Example of change 2> The arrangement of the cooler mounting section, which is the part to which the cooler is attached, may differ from that of the above embodiment. If another cooler mounting section is provided in addition to the detector mounting section, which is the part to which the cooler and detector (temperature sensor) are attached, the cooler mounting section may be provided at a location away from the detector mounting section in the lateral direction of the refrigerator (i.e., at the same height as the detector mounting section and at a location to the left or right of the detector mounting section). Also, if another cooler mounting section is provided in addition to the detector mounting section, the cooler mounting section may be provided at a location away from the detector mounting section in the vertical direction (i.e., directly above or directly below the detector mounting section).

[0087] Furthermore, assuming the same arrangement of the detector mounting section 63, front pipe mounting section 64, and rear pipe mounting section 65 as in the above embodiment, another cooler mounting section may be provided. For example, the mounting component 60 in the above embodiment may extend further downward, and a cooler mounting section separate from the front pipe mounting section 64 and rear pipe mounting section 65 may be provided directly below the detector mounting section 63.

[0088] Alternatively, a component other than the mounting component 60 may be attached to the inner box 13, and the cooler may be attached not only to the mounting component 60 but also to that component.

[0089] <Example of change 3> Multiple detector mounting sections may be provided on a single mounting component. In this case, a cooler and a detector (temperature sensor) are attached to each of the multiple detector mounting sections. As a result, even if there are multiple detectors attached together with the cooler, they are all attached to a single mounting component, so the number of components constituting the refrigerator 10 does not increase.

[0090] Furthermore, in a case where multiple detector mounting sections are provided on a single mounting component, and a cooler and detectors are mounted on each detector mounting section, it is preferable that the mounting component has a wiring holding section that holds the wiring of each of the multiple detectors. In this preferred configuration, one wiring holding section will hold two or more wires.

[0091] In this way, by holding the wiring of each of the multiple detectors in the wiring holder of the mounting component, the risk of the wiring being pulled or cut by contact with other objects can be reduced. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 10...Refrigerator, 11...Housing, 12...Outer box, 13...Inner box, 14...Insulation section, 15...Operation panel, 16...Control unit, 17...First temperature sensor, 18...Second temperature sensor, 19...Wall, 20...Refrigerator compartment, 21...Insulated partition wall, 22...Vegetable compartment, 24...Shelf, 26...Chilled compartment, 27...Small freezer compartment, 28...Freezer compartment, 30...First cooler, 31...Duct, 32...First fan, 33...Second Cooler, 34...Second fan, 35...First cooling chamber, 36...Machine room, 37...Compressor, 39...Defrosting device, 40...Refrigerant pipe, 40a...Straight section, 40aa...Uppermost straight section, 40b...Curved section, 41...Fin, 41a...Uppermost fin, 42...Capillary tube, 43...Accumulator, 44...Extension pipe, 44a...Front section of extension pipe, 44b...Extension pipe Rear section, 45...Inlet, 46...Outlet, 47...Piping, 48...Piping, 50...Refrigerator door, 51...Refrigerator door, 52...Vegetable compartment door, 53...Ice maker door, 54...Small freezer door, 55...Freezer door, 57...Pipe holder, 58...Detector holder, 59...Pass hole, 60...Mounting parts, 61...Rib, 62...Plate section, 62a...Rear plate section, 62b...Front plate section, 63...Detector holder Attachment part, 64...Front pipe attachment part, 65...Rear pipe attachment part, 66...Wiring holding part, 66a...Hook-shaped part, 66b...Roof-shaped part, 67...Wiring, 68...Wiring, 70...Holding part, 71...Holding part, 72...Protruding part, 73...Protruding part, 74...Hole, 75...Fitting part, 76...Protruding plate, 77...Protruding plate, 78...Protruding part, 79...Holding part, 80...Holding part, 81...Protruding part, 82...Holding part

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising an inner box having an opening for a storage compartment at the front, an outer box that combines with the inner box to form the outer casing of a refrigerator, an insulating section between the inner box and the outer box, a cooler provided inside the inner box to generate cold air, and a detector for measuring the temperature of the cooler, Mounting components are attached to the inside of the inner box. The mounting component has a protruding portion that extends forward from the portion that is attached to the inner box, The aforementioned protruding portion is a detector mounting portion that opens forward and to which the cooler and the detector are attached. A refrigerator in which the cooler is moved to the rear and attached to the detector mounting section, so that the cooler is in contact with the detector located behind the cooler in the detector mounting section.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a cooler mounting portion, which is another part to which the cooler is attached, is provided in a location different from the detector mounting portion of the mounting component.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the cooling unit mounting section is provided at a location separated from the detector mounting section in the lateral direction of the refrigerator.

4. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the cooler mounting portion is provided at a location separated vertically from the detector mounting portion.

5. The cooler is equipped with refrigerant pipes through which the refrigerant passes, The refrigerant pipe has a rear portion located at the rear in the front-rear direction and a portion located in front of the rear portion. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least a portion of the rear portion is attached to the detector mounting portion.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the refrigerant inlet to the cooler is located in the rear portion.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting part has a wiring holding portion formed therein for holding the wiring connected to the detector.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the mounting part is provided with a plurality of the detector mounting parts.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein the mounting part has a wiring holding portion formed therein, which holds the wiring connected to each of the multiple detectors.

10. A second temperature sensor is provided separately from the aforementioned mounting component. The refrigerator according to claim 7, wherein the mounting part has a wiring holding portion formed therein for holding the wiring connected to the second detector.

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