Refrigerator equipped with air cleaning device

Abstract

The present invention provides an air cleaning device capable of suppressing odor in a storage chamber while ensuring the flow rate of cold air necessary for cooling the storage chamber when rapid cooling of the storage chamber is required. This refrigerator comprises: a storage chamber that accommodates an object to be cooled; a cooler chamber in which is accommodated a cooler that exchanges heat between a refrigerant flowing thereinside and air to generate cold air; an air passage that connects the storage chamber and the cooler chamber; a fan that circulates the generated cold air into the storage chamber and the cooler chamber through the air passage; an opening / closing plate that opens and closes the air passage; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate. The opening / closing plate comprises a filter for cleaning the cold air. When rapid cooling of the storage chamber is required by the refrigerator, the opening / closing plate is opened to secure the flow rate of the cold air to the storage chamber, and when the rapid cooling of the storage chamber is not required, the opening / closing plate is closed to suppress the inflow of odor into the storage chamber.

Description

Refrigerator with air purifier

[0001] The present invention relates to a refrigerator equipped with an air purifying device installed in an air duct.

[0002] A conventional refrigerator employs a forced circulation system in which multiple storage compartments are cooled by a common cooler. In such refrigerators, a cooler compartment is provided in the refrigerator body. The cooler exchanges heat between a refrigerant flowing through a heat transfer tube and the surrounding air, cooling the air through the evaporation of the refrigerant. The cooled air (cold air) is shaped by a fan, passes through cool air ducts connecting the cooler compartment and each storage compartment, and is supplied to each storage compartment, where it circulates and cools the compartments. The cool air circulated through each storage compartment returns to the cooler compartment through a cool air return duct.

[0003] Such refrigerators can produce a variety of odors, such as putrid odors from fish or meat stored in the storage compartment, odors caused by mold growing on condensation in the storage compartment, and odors derived from the products. These odor-causing substances dissolve in the cool air circulating inside the refrigerator and circulate through each storage compartment together with the cool air. Furthermore, because the storage compartments of refrigerators are usually closed by doors, odors tend to accumulate inside the compartments. Therefore, if odors accumulate inside the storage compartments, there is a problem in that the odors inside the storage compartments can cause discomfort when a user opens the refrigerator door.

[0004] Therefore, as a means for reducing odors generated in refrigerators, a method has been proposed in which a honeycomb-type activated carbon filter is provided at the entrance of the cold air ventilation duct between the freezer and refrigerator compartments, thereby removing odors from the cold air sent to the storage compartment (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0005] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 58-159485

[0006] However, while the above method can reduce odors dissolved in the cold air, the filter is installed to cover the inlet of the cold air ventilation duct, which impedes the flow of cold air compared to when a filter is not installed. Therefore, the above method reduces the flow rate of cold air flowing from the inlet of the cold air ventilation duct into the cold air ventilation duct, and ultimately reduces the flow rate of cold air supplied back to the storage compartment. Therefore, the above method has the problem of slower cooling speed of the storage compartment compared to when a filter is not installed. Furthermore, although the above method allows the filter to be opened and closed manually, various refrigerator operations sometimes require quick cooling of the storage compartment, making it difficult to open and close the filter at the appropriate time in such cases.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a clean refrigerator in which odors in the storage compartment are suppressed by ensuring the flow rate of cold air required to cool the storage compartment when it is necessary to quickly cool the storage compartment, and purifying the cold air that cools the storage compartment in other cases.

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the refrigerator according to the present disclosure comprises a storage compartment for storing an object to be cooled, a cooler compartment containing a cooler that generates cold air by exchanging heat between a refrigerant flowing inside and air, an air passage connecting the storage compartment and the cooler compartment, a fan that circulates the generated cold air through the air passage into the storage compartment and the cooler compartment, an opening / closing plate that opens and closes the air passage, and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate, and the opening / closing plate is equipped with a filter that purifies the cold air.

[0009] When using the refrigerator described in the present disclosure, when it is desired to quickly cool items stored in the storage compartment, the control unit opens the opening / closing plate equipped with a filter to ensure the flow rate of cold air flowing through the air duct, and otherwise the control unit closes the opening / closing plate to purify the cold air flowing through the air duct with the filter, thereby achieving a clean refrigerator with suppressed odors in the storage compartment while ensuring the flow rate of cold air necessary to cool the storage compartment.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a front view showing the appearance of a refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing a refrigeration cycle circuit according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a front view showing a cool air blow-out air duct of the refrigerator according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an air purifying device according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an opening / closing plate according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing each state of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper attached to the first air duct according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing each state of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper attached to the first air duct according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing each state of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper attached to the first air duct according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing each state of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper attached to the first air duct according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an air purifying device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an air purifying device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an air purifying device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an air purifying device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the air purifying device and the refrigerator compartment damper according to embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the air purifying device according to embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of the air purifying device according to embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components with the same reference numerals are identical throughout the entire specification. The shapes of the components shown throughout the specification are merely illustrative and are not limited to the shapes described in the specification. In particular, the shapes of the components are not limited to the shapes shown in the embodiments. The drawings may show simplified versions of the actual structure. Furthermore, the size of each component and the relative positions of the components in the drawings may differ from the actual size. The embodiments may be combined with each other. In the following description, directional terms (e.g., "top," "upper side," "bottom," "lower side," "left," "left side," "right," "right side," "front," "front side," "near side," "rear," "rear side," "depth," "width," "inside," "outside," etc.) are used as appropriate to facilitate understanding. However, these terms are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. In addition, the above-mentioned directions are, in principle, the positional relationships of the components when the refrigerator body is viewed from the front when the refrigerator is installed in a usable state, with the surface on which the opening of the storage compartment is formed being the front (front face).

[0012] Embodiment 1. A refrigerator according to embodiment 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of refrigerator 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 100 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of refrigerator 100 shown in Fig. 1 taken along line A-A.

[0013] The refrigerator 100 of the first embodiment includes a refrigerator body 1. The refrigerator body 1 is an insulated box composed of an outer box 2, an inner box 3, and an insulating member 4. The outer box 2 is made of metal such as steel and has an opening 5 on its front side. The inner box 3 is made of resin and is fitted into the outer box 2 through the opening 5. The insulating member 4 is made of, for example, urethane foam or vacuum insulation material, and fills the space between the outer box 2 and the inner box 3. The inner box 3 has a storage space 6 therein. The storage space 6 is partitioned into multiple storage compartments by multiple insulating partition walls 7A-7C. Specifically, the interior of the inner box 3 is partitioned by partition wall 7A into a refrigerator compartment 8, an ice-making compartment 9 (see FIG. 4), and a temperature-switchable compartment 10. The interior of the inner box 3 is partitioned by partition wall 7B into the ice-making compartment 9, the temperature-switchable compartment 10, and a vegetable compartment 11. The interior of the inner box is divided into a vegetable compartment 11 and a freezer compartment 12 by a partition wall 7C.

[0014] The refrigerator compartment 8, ice-making compartment 9, temperature-switchable compartment 10, vegetable compartment 11, and freezer compartment 12 are each provided with a door for opening and closing each storage compartment. For example, in front of the refrigerator compartment 8, a double-leaf refrigerator compartment door 13 is supported by first and second hinges 18A and 18B provided on the left and right sides of the front top surface of the refrigerator body 1. The refrigerator compartment door 13 is provided so as to be freely opened and closed by the first and second hinges 18A and 18B. In front of the ice-making compartment 9, temperature-switchable compartment 10, vegetable compartment 11, and freezer compartment 12, a drawer-type ice-making compartment door 14, temperature-switchable compartment door 15, vegetable compartment door 16, and freezer compartment door 17 are provided, respectively, so as to be freely opened and closed back and forth. The drawer-type ice-making compartment door 14, temperature-switching compartment door 15, vegetable compartment door 16, and freezer compartment door 17 are each configured to be opened and closed in the front-to-rear direction of the refrigerator 100 by sliding a frame (not shown) fixed to the door body along rails (not shown) formed horizontally on the left and right inner wall surfaces of each storage compartment. Note that the above-described configuration of the doors of each storage compartment is an example and is not limited to this. For example, the refrigerator compartment door 13 may be a single-leaf door that swings on one side, or at least one of the ice-making compartment door 14, temperature-switching compartment door 15, vegetable compartment door 16, and freezer compartment door 17 may be a single-leaf door that swings on the other side.

[0015] The refrigerator compartment 8 is provided with a shelf 19 on which foods and other items to be cooled are placed. A storage container (not shown) capable of being freely pulled out is provided in the temperature switchable compartment 10, and capable of storing items to be cooled inside. The storage container is supported by a frame (not shown) of the temperature switchable compartment door 15, and is configured to slide back and forth in conjunction with the opening and closing of the temperature switchable compartment door 15. Similar to the temperature switchable compartment 10, the vegetable compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 12 are each provided with a storage container (not shown) capable of being freely pulled out, and capable of storing items to be cooled inside.

[0016] The set temperature (first temperature) of the refrigerator compartment 8 is set in the refrigeration temperature range. The refrigeration temperature range is, for example, a temperature range of 3°C or higher and 5°C or lower. The set temperatures (third temperature) of the ice-making compartment 9 and the freezer compartment 12 are set in the freezing temperature range. The freezing temperature range is a temperature range lower than the refrigeration temperature range. The freezing temperature range is a temperature range below 0°C, for example, a temperature range of -20°C or higher and -18°C or lower.

[0017] The temperature switchable compartment 10 is a storage compartment whose set temperature (second temperature) can be switched between a refrigeration temperature range and a freezing temperature range. The temperature range of the temperature switchable compartment 10 can be switched depending on the intended use. The temperature switchable compartment 10 is adjusted to three temperature ranges, for example, a chilled temperature range, a supercooled temperature range, and a soft freezing temperature range. The temperature switchable compartment 10 may also be adjusted to a temperature range other than these three temperature ranges. The user of the refrigerator 100 can select the set temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 10 by operating an operation panel 20 or the like provided on the surface of the refrigerator door 13. This allows the user to adjust the set temperature of the temperature switchable compartment 10 to suit their own lifestyle, improving user convenience.

[0018] The chilled temperature range is a temperature range of 0°C or higher and lower than 3°C, for example, a temperature range of around 1°C. By setting the temperature inside the temperature switchable compartment 10 to this temperature range, the temperature switchable compartment 10 can be used as a chilled compartment. Storing food in this temperature range prevents the food from freezing and keeps it fresh for a longer period of time. Using the temperature switchable compartment 10 as a chilled compartment is used when the capacity of the refrigerator compartment 8 is insufficient or when a large amount of food is to be consumed on the same day.

[0019] The supercooling temperature zone is a temperature zone lower than the refrigeration compartment 8, where food is supercooled. A supercooled state refers to a state in which food does not begin to freeze and remains unfrozen, even when the food temperature reaches or is below the freezing point. The supercooling temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone between -3°C and 0°C, which is below the food's freezing point. By setting the temperature inside the temperature switchable compartment 10 to this temperature zone, the temperature switchable compartment 10 can be used as a supercooling storage compartment for storing food in a supercooled state. To preserve food while maintaining its quality, it is desirable to keep the food as cold as possible without freezing it. The supercooling storage compartment enables such food preservation. By using the temperature switchable compartment 10 as a supercooling storage compartment, users can store foods with a short shelf life, such as fresh foods like meat or fish, or processed foods, without freezing.

[0020] The soft freezing temperature range is between -10°C and -5°C, for example, around -7°C. By setting the temperature inside the temperature switchable compartment 10 to this temperature range, the temperature switchable compartment 10 can be used as a soft freezing compartment. In the soft freezing temperature range, the surface of food does not become too hard even if it is stored for a long time, so the food can be easily crushed or broken. This allows the user to immediately use food stored in the soft freezing compartment. Using the temperature switchable compartment 10 as a soft freezing compartment is used when using a freezer simply.

[0021] An operation panel 20 is provided on the refrigerator compartment door 13. The operation panel 20 is composed of an operation unit 21 for setting the temperature in each storage compartment, and a display unit 22 for displaying temperature information such as the temperature and set temperature in each storage compartment, inventory information in the storage compartment, etc. (see FIG. 1). The operation unit 21 is composed of, for example, operation switches, and the display unit 22 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display. The operation panel 20 also includes an outside air temperature sensor 23 for obtaining information on the outside air temperature. A control device 45 for performing various controls of the refrigerator 1 is provided above the rear surface of the refrigerator body 1.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2 , the refrigerator 100 includes a refrigerator body 1 that includes a cooler 24, a blower 25, and a defrost heater 26. The refrigerator body 1 includes a cooler chamber 27 that houses the cooler 24, the blower 25, and the defrost heater 26. The cooler 24 exchanges heat between the refrigerant flowing therethrough and the air, thereby cooling the air in the cooler chamber 27. In this specification, the air cooled by the cooler 24 is referred to as “cold air.” The blower 25 sends the air cooled by the cooler 24 to each storage compartment, i.e., the refrigerator compartment 8, the ice-making compartment 9, the temperature-switchable compartment 10, and the freezer compartment 12. The cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment 8 passes through the return air duct ( 46 in FIG. 4 ) of the refrigerator compartment 8 and is supplied to the vegetable compartment 11. The defrost heater 26 generates heat when energized, melting frost accumulated on the cooler 24. The cooler chamber 27 is provided in a rear portion 28 of the refrigerator body 1 that forms the rear surface of the refrigerator 100. In the cooler chamber 27, the blower 25 is provided above the cooler 24.

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a refrigeration cycle circuit of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 3 , cooler 24, together with compressor 29, condenser 30, and pressure reducing device 31, constitutes refrigeration cycle circuit 32 of refrigerator 100. In refrigeration cycle circuit 32, compressor 29, condenser 30, pressure reducing device 31, and cooler 24 are connected in this order by refrigerant piping. Solid arrows in Fig. 3 indicate the direction in which refrigerant circulates in refrigeration cycle circuit 32.

[0024] The compressor 29 is a device that sends the refrigerant to the cooler 24. The compressor 29 compresses the refrigerant to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas state. As shown in FIG. 2 , the compressor 29 is disposed in the machine compartment 28, which is provided below the cooler compartment 27 on the rear side of the refrigerator 100. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant that flows out of the compressor 29 flows into the condenser 30. The condenser 30 dissipates heat from the refrigerant that flows in from the compressor 29, causing the refrigerant to condense. The condenser 30 is configured, for example, as a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The refrigerant condensed in the condenser 30 flows into the pressure reducing device 31. The pressure reducing device 31 reduces the pressure of the refrigerant that flows in from the condenser 30 to a two-phase state of liquid and gas. The pressure reducing device 31 is configured, for example, as a capillary tube. The two-phase refrigerant that flows out of the pressure reducing device 31 flows into the cooler 24. The cooler 24 evaporates the two-phase refrigerant decompressed by the pressure reducing device 31, and cools the air around the cooler 24 by the heat absorption effect caused by the evaporation of the refrigerant. That is, the cooler 24 functions as an evaporator in the refrigeration cycle circuit 32. The cooler 24 is configured as, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The refrigerant flowing out of the cooler 24 returns to the compressor 29. The above-described refrigeration cycle circuit 32 cools the air around the cooler 24, generating cold air that cools each storage compartment.

[0025] Returning to the description of FIG. 2 , refrigerator body 1 is provided with air passage 33 (cold air outlet air passage) for supplying cold air generated by cooler 24 to each storage compartment. Air passage 33 connects each of refrigerator compartment 8, ice-making compartment 9, temperature switchable compartment 10, and freezer compartment 12 to cooler compartment 27. An inlet 38 of air passage 33 communicates with the downstream side of blower 25 in cooler compartment 27. Air passage 33 branches from the inlet midway to form first air passage 33A, second air passage 33B (see FIG. 4 ), third air passage 33C (see FIG. 4 ), and fourth air passage 33D. First air passage 33A is an air passage connecting cooler compartment 27 and refrigerator compartment 8. Second air passage 33B is an air passage connecting cooler compartment 27 and ice-making compartment 9. The third air passage 33C is an air passage that connects the cooler compartment 27 and the temperature switchable compartment 10. The fourth air passage 33D is an air passage that connects the cooler compartment 27 and the freezer compartment 12.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the cooler compartment 27 and air duct 33, as well as the locations of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature-switching compartment damper 36 provided in the air duct 33, viewed from the front of the refrigerator 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the ice-making compartment 9 and the temperature-switching compartment 10 are separated by a partition wall (not shown). The multiple storage compartments are arranged in the following order from top to bottom: the refrigerator compartment 8, the ice-making compartment 9 and the temperature-switching compartment 10, the vegetable compartment 11, and the freezer compartment 12. The ice-making compartment 9 is located below the refrigerator compartment 8 on the left, and the temperature-switching compartment 10 is located below the refrigerator compartment 8 on the right. The ice-making compartment 9 and the temperature-switching compartment 10 are located adjacent to each other horizontally. The ice-making compartment 9 may be equipped with an automatic ice maker (not shown). A portion of the cold air generated in cooler chamber 27 passes through first air passage 33A and through refrigerator chamber outlet 49, which connects first air passage 33A and refrigerator chamber 8, and is blown into refrigerator chamber 8. First air passage 33A is provided with refrigerator chamber damper 34, which is a first air passage opening / closing device, that adjusts the amount of cold air (flow rate) supplied to refrigerator chamber 8. The amount of cold air supplied to refrigerator chamber 8 can be adjusted by changing the opening degree of refrigerator chamber damper 34. When refrigerator chamber damper 34 is closed, cold air is no longer supplied to refrigerator chamber 8. In addition, a portion of the cold air generated in cooler chamber 27 passes through second air passage 33B and through ice chamber outlet 51, which connects second air passage 33B and ice chamber 9, and is blown into ice chamber 9. The second air passage 33B is provided with an ice-making chamber damper 35, which is a second air passage opening / closing device, that adjusts the volume (flow rate) of cold air flowing into the ice-making chamber 9. The volume of cold air supplied to the ice-making chamber 9 can be adjusted by changing the opening degree of the ice-making chamber damper 35. When the ice-making chamber damper 35 is closed, cold air is no longer supplied to the ice-making chamber 9. Furthermore, a portion of the cold air generated in the cooler chamber 27 passes through the third air passage 33C and is blown into the temperature-switchable compartment 10 through the temperature-switchable compartment outlet 53, which connects the third air passage 33C with the temperature-switchable compartment 10. The third air passage 33C is provided with a temperature-switchable compartment damper 36, which is a third air passage opening / closing device, that adjusts the volume (flow rate) of cold air flowing into the temperature-switchable compartment 10. The volume of cold air supplied to the temperature-switchable compartment 10 can be adjusted by changing the opening degree of the temperature-switchable compartment damper 36. When the temperature switchable compartment damper 36 is closed, cold air is no longer supplied to the temperature switchable compartment 10 .A portion of the cold air generated in the cooler chamber 27 passes through the fourth air passage 33D (shown in FIG. 2 ) and through the freezer chamber outlet 54 (shown in FIG. 2 ), which connects the fourth air passage 33D with the freezer chamber 12, and is blown into the freezer chamber 12. In the cooler chamber 27, air flows in the air flow direction D1 from below to above the cooler 24 by operation of the blower 25. The cooler 24 cools the surrounding air to generate cold air. The cold air generated by the cooler 24 is blown into the air passage 33 by the blower 25. A portion of the cold air is then supplied to the refrigerator chamber 8 through the first air passage 33A and the refrigerator chamber damper 34. A portion of the cold air is supplied to the ice-making chamber 9 through the second air passage 33B and the ice-making chamber damper 35. A portion of the cold air is supplied to the temperature switchable compartment 10 through the third air duct 33C and the temperature switchable compartment damper 36. A portion of the cold air is supplied to the freezer compartment 12 through the fourth air duct 33D. The vegetable compartment 11 is cooled by the return cold air from the refrigerator compartment 8 supplied through the refrigerator compartment return air duct 46. The cold air supplied to the vegetable compartment 11 is returned to the cooler compartment 27 through a vegetable compartment return air duct (not shown). In this embodiment, the temperature of the freezer compartment 12 is controlled by adjusting the rotation speed of the blower 25 and the drive rotation speed of the compressor 29.

[0027] An air purifier 70 is provided in at least one of the first air duct 33A, the second air duct 33B, and the third air duct 33C, downstream of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switchable compartment damper 36. The air purifier 70 reacts with the cold air flowing through the cold air outlet air duct 33 to purify the cold air. An air duct guide 48 is provided on the rear surface of the refrigerator compartment 6. The air duct guide 48 forms the portion of the first air duct 33A above the partition 7A, and a plurality of refrigerator compartment outlets 49 are formed on the front side of the air duct guide 48. The refrigerator compartment outlets 49 are openings that communicate with the refrigerator compartment 8 and the first air duct 33A and allow the cold air flowing through the first air duct 33A to be ejected into the refrigerator compartment 8. An ice-making compartment outlet 51 is formed in rear wall 50, which forms the rear surface of ice-making compartment 9. Ice-making compartment outlet 51 is an opening that communicates with ice-making compartment 9 and second air passage 33B, and allows cold air flowing through second air passage 33B to be ejected into ice-making compartment 9. A temperature-switchable compartment outlet 53 is formed in rear wall 52, which forms the rear surface of temperature-switchable compartment 10. Temperature-switchable compartment outlet 53 is an opening that communicates with temperature-switchable compartment 10 and third air passage 33C, and allows cold air flowing through third air passage 33C to be ejected into temperature-switchable compartment 10. A freezer compartment outlet 54 is formed on the rear surface of freezer compartment 12. Freezer compartment outlet 54 is an opening that communicates with freezer compartment 12 and fourth air passage 33D, and allows cold air flowing through fourth air passage 33D to be ejected into freezer compartment 12. The refrigerator compartment outlet 49, the ice-making compartment outlet 51, the temperature switchable compartment outlet 53, and the freezer compartment outlet 54 are collectively referred to as storage compartment outlets.

[0028] The refrigerator compartment 8 is provided with a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, which is a first temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 8. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the rear side of the refrigerator compartment 8. The ice-making compartment 9 is provided with an ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, which is a second temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the ice-making compartment 9. The ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the rear side of the ice-making compartment 9. The temperature-switchable compartment 10 is provided with a temperature-switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, which is a third temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the temperature-switchable compartment 10. The temperature-switchable compartment temperature sensor 42 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the rear side of the temperature-switchable compartment 10. The freezer compartment 12 is provided with a freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, which is a fourth temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the freezer compartment 12. The freezer compartment temperature sensor 43 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the rear side of the freezer compartment 12. The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, temperature switch compartment temperature sensor 42, and freezer compartment temperature sensor 43 are each configured, for example, by a thermistor. The cooler compartment 27 is also provided with a fifth temperature sensor, a cooler compartment temperature sensor 44, which measures the cooler compartment temperature. The cooler compartment temperature is the temperature of the air in the cooler compartment 27. The cooler compartment temperature sensor 44 transmits the measurement result to the control device 45.

[0029] The refrigerator body 1 is also provided with a refrigerator compartment return air duct 46, an ice-making compartment return air duct (not shown), a switchable compartment return air duct (not shown), a vegetable compartment return air duct (not shown), and a freezer compartment return air duct 47 (shown in FIG. 2 ). The refrigerator compartment return air duct 46 is an air duct for guiding air from within the refrigerator compartment 8 to the cooler compartment 27. The ice-making compartment return air duct (not shown) is an air duct for guiding air from within the ice-making compartment 9 to the cooler compartment 27. The switchable compartment return air duct is an air duct for guiding air from within the temperature switchable compartment 10 to the cooler compartment 27. The vegetable compartment return air duct is an air duct for guiding air from within the vegetable compartment 11 to the cooler compartment 27. The freezer compartment return air duct 47 is an air duct for guiding air from within the freezer compartment 12 to the cooler compartment 27. The refrigerator compartment return air duct 46, the ice-making compartment return air duct, the switchable compartment return air duct, the vegetable compartment return air duct, and the freezer compartment return air duct 47 are provided independently of one another.

[0030] The refrigerator compartment return air duct 46 has a refrigerator compartment return air duct inlet 55 that opens into the refrigerator compartment 8. The refrigerator compartment return air duct inlet 55 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 8, away from the refrigerator compartment outlet 49 of the first air duct 33A. The refrigerator compartment return air duct inlet 55 is provided on the back side of the partition wall 7A that forms the floor of the refrigerator compartment 8. Air within the refrigerator compartment 8 flows from the refrigerator compartment return air duct inlet 55 through the refrigerator compartment return air duct 46 and into the cooler compartment 27. The freezer compartment return air duct 47 has a freezer compartment return air duct inlet 56 that opens into the freezer compartment 12. The freezer compartment return air duct inlet 56 is provided in the freezer compartment 12, away from the freezer compartment outlet 54 of the fourth air duct 33D. The freezer compartment return air duct inlet 56 is provided on the inner wall surface on the back side of the freezer compartment 12.

[0031] <Configuration of Air Purifier> Next, a description will be given of air purifier 70 installed in refrigerator 100 in this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the entire air purifier 70. Air purifier 70 has a housing 71, an opening / closing plate 72, and a drive unit 73.

[0032] The housing 71 is the enclosure of the air purifier 70 and includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped case 74 that houses the drive unit 73, a rectangular flat plate portion 75 that is integrally molded with the case 74 and protrudes from one side surface 74A of the case 74, and a side wall portion 76 that is provided along the edge of the flat plate portion 75 and forms a substantially rectangular tube together with the one side surface 74A. The side wall portion 76 is provided substantially perpendicular to the plane 75A of the flat plate portion 75. An opening 77 is formed inside the edge of the flat plate portion 75 to allow cool air flowing through the air passage 33 to pass through. The housing 71 is attached to at least one of the first air passage 33A, the second air passage 33B, the third air passage 33C, and the fourth air passage 33D, and supports the opening / closing plate 72 and the drive unit 73 relative to the air passage 33. 5, the case 74, the flat plate portion 75, and the side wall portion 76 are integrally molded, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and the case 74 may be separate from the flat plate portion 75 and the side wall portion 76 and fixed to the flat plate portion 75 and the side wall portion 76. Alternatively, the case 74 may be separate from the flat plate portion 75 and the side wall portion 76, and the case 74, the flat plate portion 75, and the side wall portion 76 may each be installed in the air passage 33 independently.

[0033] The drive unit 73 is a device that moves the opening / closing plate 72 relative to the housing 71. The drive unit 73 is provided inside the case 74 with a motor 78 serving as a drive source and one or more gears 79 that transmit the rotational force of the motor 78. A rotating shaft 80 is integrally molded with one of the gears 79, with one end of the rotating shaft 80 connected to one of the gears 79 and the other end protruding outside the case 74. The rotating shaft 80 is spaced apart from the flat plate portion 75 to enable rotation of the opening / closing plate 72. When viewed from above the plane 75A from the side of the flat plate portion 75 where the rotating shaft 80 is provided, the rotating shaft 80 overlaps with the flat plate portion 75. A wiring 81 electrically connected to the motor 78 is drawn outside the case 74 and electrically connected to the control device 45. The control device 45 supplies power to the motor 78 via the wiring 81, driving the motor 78. When the motor 78 is driven by power supplied from the control device 45, the motor 78 rotates a gear 79 and a rotary shaft 80. The opening / closing plate 72 is attached to the rotary shaft 80, and the opening / closing plate 72 rotates together with the rotation of the rotary shaft 80 to open and close the opening 77.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the opening / closing plate 72 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 . The opening / closing plate 72 includes a frame 82 and a filter 83 attached to the frame 82. The filter 83 is indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 6 . The frame 82 includes a substantially rectangular, annular frame portion 84 and a lattice-shaped lattice portion 85 connected to the frame 84 on the inside. The frame 82 includes a bearing portion 86 that protrudes outward from a corner 85 at one end of a first side portion 84A that constitutes one side of the frame portion 84, in the extension direction of the first side portion 84A. A rotating shaft 80 is inserted into the tip of the bearing portion 86, and the frame 82 is fixed to the case 74. The frame 82 rotates relative to the flat plate portion 75 as the rotating shaft 80 rotates. As shown in the cross-sections of Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11, the filter 83 comprises an air purifying section 83B and a cover section 83A enclosing the air purifying section 83B in a bag-like shape. The frame 82 has the filter 83 on the surface facing the flat plate section 75 when the opening / closing plate 72 is in the closed state, but it may also have the filter 83 on the opposite surface. The air purifying section 83B reacts with the air flowing therethrough to purify the air. More specifically, the air purifying section 83B reacts with the air flowing therethrough to adsorb odor-causing particles in the air, and an example of such a material is activated carbon. The filter 83 is a substantially rectangular sheet and is attached to a support surface 87, which is one surface of the frame 82. In this embodiment, the filter 83 is a deodorizing filter that adsorbs odor-causing particles in the air, but the material that can be used as the filter 83 is not limited to this. Materials that can be used as filter 83 have the function of keeping the cool air clean, and include dust collection filters that have the function of capturing dust, dehumidification filters that have the function of capturing water vapor, and insect repellent filters that have the function of repelling insects.

[0035] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the first air passage 33A to which the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 are attached, showing the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 in an open state. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the first air passage 33A to which the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 are attached, showing the air purifier 70 in a closed state and the refrigerator damper 34 in an open state. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the first air passage 33A to which the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 are attached, showing the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 in a closed state. Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the first air passage 33A to which the air purifier 70 and the refrigerator damper 34 are attached, showing the air purifier 70 in an open state and the refrigerator damper 34 in a closed state. The arrows in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 indicate the flow of cool air in first air passage 33A when air purification device 70 is open and closed, and when refrigerator compartment damper 34 is open and closed. Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11 are enlarged views of area B in Figure 2, and first air passage 33A is formed by inner box 3, which forms the back surface of the refrigerator compartment, and air passage guide 48.

[0036] The refrigerator compartment damper 34 includes a damper housing 60, a damper lid 61, and a damper drive unit. The damper housing 60 has a configuration similar to that of the housing 71. The damper drive unit includes a damper motor, a damper gear that transmits the rotational force of the damper motor, and a damper rotation shaft 64 that is connected to the damper gear and rotates with the rotation of the damper motor. The configurations of the damper motor, damper gear, and damper rotation shaft 64 are similar to those of the motor 78, gear 79, and rotation shaft 80. The damper housing 60 includes a damper flat plate 62. The damper flat plate 62 has a damper opening 63 formed therein to allow cool air flowing through the air passage 33 to pass through. The damper lid 61 is a flat, rectangular member that opens and closes the damper opening 63. A damper bearing 65 is attached to the damper lid 61 and protrudes outward from a corner along one side. The damper rotation shaft 64 is inserted into the tip of the damper bearing portion 65, and the damper lid portion 61 is attached to the damper housing 60. The damper lid portion 61 rotates relative to the flat plate portion 75 as the damper rotation shaft 64 rotates.

[0037] 8, 9, 10, and 11 show cross sections of the damper housing 60 and damper lid 61 of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, and omit the case for accommodating the damper drive unit, etc., located at the back of the figures. Similarly, 8, 9, 10, and 11 show cross sections of the housing 71 and opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70, and omit the case 74, etc., located at the back of the figures.

[0038] The flow of cold air when the air purifier 70 and refrigerator compartment damper 34 are open will be described using Figure 8. Cold air that flows into the first air passage 33A from the cooler compartment 27 passes through the damper opening 63 of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, passes through the opening 77 of the air purifier 70 located downstream of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, and is blown out into the refrigerator compartment 8 from the refrigerator compartment outlet 49 without passing through the opening / closing plate 72. In the configuration of Figure 8, the cold air blown out into the refrigerator compartment 8 does not pass through the opening / closing plate 72, and therefore the filter 83 does not remove odors from the cold air (air).

[0039] Next, using Figure 9, we will explain the flow of cold air in the first air duct 33A when the air purifier 70 is closed and the refrigerator compartment damper 34 is open. Cold air flowing into the first air duct 33A from the cooler compartment 27 passes through the damper opening 63 of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, passes through the opening 77 of the air purifier 70 and the opening / closing plate 72, and is blown into the refrigerator compartment 8 through the refrigerator compartment outlet 49. In the configuration of Figure 9, as the cold air passes through the opening / closing plate 72, pressure loss occurs when the cold air hits the frame 82 and the filter 83, reducing the flow rate. As a result, odors contained in the cold air are reduced as the cold air passes through the air purifier 83B. Therefore, with the configuration of Figure 9, the flow rate of the cold air blown into the refrigerator compartment 8 is reduced compared to the configuration of Figure 8, and odors contained in the cold air are reduced.

[0040] Next, the flow of cold air when the air purifying device 70 and the refrigerator compartment damper 34 are closed will be described using Figure 10. In the configuration of Figure 10, the damper opening 63 is closed by the damper lid 61. Therefore, in the configuration of Figure 10, the cold air that flows from the cooler compartment 27 into the first air passage 33A is blocked by the damper lid 61, and the supply of cold air into the refrigerator compartment 8 is stopped.

[0041] Next, the flow of cold air when the air purifying device 70 is open and the refrigerator compartment damper 34 is closed will be described using Figure 11. In the configuration of Figure 11, as in Figure 10, the damper opening 63 is closed by the damper lid 61. Therefore, in the configuration of Figure 11, the cold air that flows from the cooler compartment 27 into the first air passage 33A is blocked by the damper lid 61, and the supply of cold air to the refrigerator compartment 8 is stopped.

[0042] As shown in Figures 4, 8, 9, 10, and 11, air purifier 70 is installed downstream of a damper (at least one of refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature switching compartment damper 36) installed in at least one of first air passage 33A, second air passage 33B, third air passage 33C, and fourth air passage 33D, and upstream of a storage compartment outlet. However, this is not limited thereto, and air purifier 70 may be installed upstream of a damper installed in at least one of first air passage 33A, second air passage 33B, third air passage 33C, and fourth air passage 33D. Even in such a case, refrigerator 100 has the same effects as the configurations shown in Figures 8, 9, 10, and 11. In addition, air purifying device 70 may be attached to at least one of refrigerator compartment return air duct 46, ice-making compartment return air duct, switchable compartment return air duct, vegetable compartment return air duct, and freezer compartment return air duct 47.

[0043] 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of refrigerator 100 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. 12 , control device 45 is electrically connected, for example, by signal lines, to operation panel 20, blower 25, compressor 29, refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, temperature switchable compartment damper 36, refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, outside air temperature sensor 23, temperature switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, cooler compartment temperature sensor 44, and defrost heater 26. Detection signals from the refrigerator compartment temperature measured by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, the ice-making compartment temperature measured by ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, the temperature of the temperature switchable compartment measured by temperature switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, the temperature of freezer compartment 12 measured by freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, the outside air temperature measured by outside air temperature sensor 23, and cooler compartment temperature sensor 44, as well as operation signals from operation unit 21 of operation panel 20, are input to control device 45. Based on the input signals, control device 45 controls the output of compressor 29, the airflow rate of blower 25, the opening degree of each damper, and the energization state of defrost heater 26 in accordance with a pre-stored operating program so that the temperatures of refrigerator compartment 8, ice-making compartment 9, temperature switchable compartment 11, and freezer compartment 12 are maintained at their respective set temperatures. Based on the input signals, control device 45 outputs display signals relating to the temperatures of each storage compartment, etc., to display unit 22 of operation panel 20.

[0044] The control of the air purifier 70 by the control device 45 will now be described. The control device 45 controls the drive unit 73 to switch between a closed state (closed state of the air purifier 70) in which the opening / closing plate 72 contacts the flat plate portion 75 to cover the opening 77 and closes (closes) the opening 77 with the opening / closing plate 72, and an open state (open state of the air purifier 70) in which the opening / closing plate 72 moves away from the opening 77 and opens (opens) the opening 77. When the air purifier 70 is in the closed state, the cool air flowing through the air duct 33 in which the air purifier 70 is installed passes through the opening 77 and the filter 83, and odors are reduced by the air purifier 83B. The cool air with odors reduced by the air purifier 83B is supplied to the storage compartment to be air-purified through the refrigerator compartment outlet 49. When the air purifier 70 is in the open state, the cool air flowing through the air passage 33 in which the air purifier 70 is installed passes through the opening 77 but does not pass through the filter 84 (air purifying section 83B) and is supplied to the storage room to be purified.

[0045] The motor 78 is driven by the control device 45, and the direction and amount of rotation of the rotating shaft 80 are controlled. The control device 45 controls the direction and amount of rotation of the opening / closing plate 72 via the rotating shaft 80. The control device 45 switches between an internal cleaning operation (when the air purifier 70 is closed) in which the opening 77 is closed by the opening / closing plate 72 and the cool air flowing through the air passage 33 is passed through the air purifying unit 83B to purify the cool air, and a rapid cooling operation (when the air purifier 70 is open) in which the opening 77 is opened and the opening of the filter relative to the opening 77 is increased compared to the internal cleaning operation, thereby increasing the flow rate of the cool air flowing through the air passage 33.

[0046] In the opening / closing plate 72, the bearing portion 86 is provided at the corner 85 which is the connection portion between the adjacent first side portion 84A and second side portion 84B, but this embodiment is not limited to this, and as shown in Fig. 7, a bearing portion 88 may be provided at the center portion M of the second side portion 84B so as to protrude outward from the frame portion 84, and the rotation shaft 80 may be provided at a position on the housing 71 corresponding to the bearing portion 88. In this case, when the air purification device 70 is in the closed state, the frame body 82 of the housing 71 comes into contact with the inner side surface which forms the opening 77 of the flat plate portion 75, thereby closing the opening 77.

[0047] The configuration of air purifier 70 is not limited to this, and air purifier 70 may be configured to include a case 74, drive unit 73, and opening / closing plate 72 without including housing 71. In this case, case 74 accommodating drive unit 73 is fixed to air passage 33, and supports opening / closing plate 72 relative to air passage 33. When air purifier 70 is in the closed state, the outer periphery of frame 82 of opening / closing plate 72 comes into contact with air passage 33, and air passage 33 is closed by opening / closing plate 72, thereby defining air passage 33. When air purifier 70 is in the open state, the outer periphery of frame 82 moves away from air passage 33, and air passage 33 is opened by opening / closing plate 72, forming air passage 33 as a continuous space.

[0048] Next, the control of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature-switchable compartment damper 36 by the control device 45 will be described. The control device 45 switches each of the refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature-switchable compartment damper 36 between an open state and a closed state. The control device 45 rotates the damper rotation shaft 64 to switch between a state in which the damper lid portion 61 moves away from the damper opening 63, opening the damper opening 63 (the refrigerator compartment damper 34 is open; see FIGS. 8 and 9 ), and a state in which the damper lid portion 61 contacts the damper plate portion 62, covering the damper opening 63, and closing the damper opening 63 (the refrigerator compartment damper 34 is closed; see FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The control device 45 also controls the opening and closing of the ice-making compartment damper 35 and temperature-switchable compartment damper 36 in the same way as the refrigerator compartment damper 34.

[0049] Fig. 13 is a functional block diagram related to temperature control by control device 45, which is a control unit of refrigerator 100 according to embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 13, in embodiment 1, control device 45 has a temperature setting unit 90, a temperature acquisition unit 91, an appliance control unit 92, and a storage unit 93. Various data and operation programs used for temperature control are stored in storage unit 93.

[0050] The temperature setting unit 90 sets the set temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 8, ice-making compartment 9, temperature switchable compartment 10 and freezer compartment 12 in accordance with operation signals from the operation unit 21 of the operation panel 20.

[0051] During various operations, the temperature acquisition unit 91 acquires the measurement results of the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, temperature-switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, and cooler compartment temperature sensor 44, and outputs the results to the appliance control unit 92. During various operations, the temperature acquisition unit 91 compares the set temperatures of each storage compartment set by the temperature setting unit 90 with the indoor temperatures detected by the temperature sensors provided in each storage compartment, and outputs the comparison results to the appliance control unit 92. That is, the temperature acquisition unit 91 compares the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment 3 with the indoor temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40. The temperature acquisition unit 91 also compares the set temperature of the ice-making compartment 9 with the indoor temperature detected by the ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41. The temperature acquisition unit 91 also compares the set temperature of the temperature-switchable compartment 10 with the indoor temperature detected by the temperature-switchable compartment temperature sensor 42. The temperature acquisition unit 91 also compares the set temperature of the freezer compartment 12 with the indoor temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 43.

[0052] In various operations, the device control unit 92 controls the compressor 24, the blower 22, the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switching compartment damper 36 based on the comparison results by the temperature acquisition unit 91 so that the indoor temperatures detected by the temperature sensors provided in each storage compartment become the set temperatures. The device control unit 92 also controls the air purifier 70 to perform either an air-conditioning operation in which the opening / closing plate 72 is closed to close the opening 77 and the cold air flowing through the air passage 33 passes through the opening / closing plate 72 to purify the cold air, or a rapid cooling operation in which the opening / closing plate 72 is opened to open the opening 77 and the amount (flow rate) of cold air supplied to each storage compartment is increased compared to the air-conditioning operation, thereby decreasing the cooling rate, which is the gradient of temperature change when cooling the indoor temperature of each storage compartment.

[0053] The storage unit 93 stores programs executed by the control device 45 and information used in the programs. For example, the storage unit 93 stores setting information input via the operation unit 21, programs used for temperature adjustment operation and defrosting operation, parameters such as thresholds, and programs used to determine whether to open or close the air purifying device 70. The storage unit 93 may be provided separately from the control device 45.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of control device 45 executing various operations. Operation control of refrigerator 100 will be described using FIG. 14 . Control device 45 executes various operations, such as pull-down operation, temperature control operation, pre-cool (pre-cooling) operation, defrosting operation, and recovery operation, as operation modes of refrigerator 100. Temperature control operation is a normal cooling operation of refrigerator 100. In refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment, air purifier 70 is attached to at least one of first air duct 33A, second air duct 33B, third air duct 33C, and fourth air duct 33D, and device control unit 92 controls opening and closing of air purifier 70 together with refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature switching compartment damper 36. In the following description, the air temperatures in each storage compartment measured by refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, temperature switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, and cooler compartment temperature sensor 44 will be referred to as the "storage compartment temperature." Furthermore, in at least one of first air duct 33A, second air duct 33B, third air duct 33C, and fourth air duct 33D, the air duct to which air purifying device 70 is attached will be referred to as the "installed air duct." Furthermore, the storage compartment connected to the "installed air duct" will be referred to as the "storage compartment to be air-purified."

[0055] When the refrigerator 100 is powered on, the control device 45 starts pull-down operation (step S1). The pull-down operation is performed immediately after the refrigerator 100 is started, and is an operation for rapidly cooling the storage compartments. In the pull-down operation, the control device 45 performs cooling until the indoor temperature of each storage compartment reaches a target temperature T_set. The target temperature is the set temperature of each storage compartment, which corresponds to a temperature set at the time of manufacture or a temperature adjusted by the user. In the pull-down operation, cooling is required to quickly lower the indoor temperature of each storage compartment so that items can be stored in each storage compartment immediately. Therefore, immediately after the start of the pull-down operation, the device control unit 92 opens the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switching compartment damper 36, and starts the compressor 29 and the blower 25 to supply cold air to each storage compartment. Furthermore, the device control unit 92 opens the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifying device 70 to reduce the resistance that the filter provides to the cool air being supplied to each storage compartment, thereby supplying the cool air to each storage compartment.

[0056] In the temperature adjustment operation performed after the pull-down operation, the device control unit 92 controls the storage compartment temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 8, ice making compartment 9, temperature switchable compartment 10, and freezer compartment 12 so that they are within the temperature error range ±dθr for the refrigerator compartment 8, the temperature error range ±dθi for the ice making compartment 9, the temperature error range ±dθs for the temperature switchable compartment 10, and the temperature error range ±dθf for the freezer compartment 12, with the target temperatures (set temperatures) for each storage compartment, Tr_set (refrigerator compartment target temperature), Ti_set (ice making compartment target temperature), Ts_set (temperature switchable compartment target temperature), and Tf_set (freezer compartment target temperature), being at the center. Tr_set (refrigerator compartment target temperature), Ti_set (ice making compartment target temperature), Ts_set (temperature switchable compartment target temperature), and Tf_set (freezer compartment target temperature), are collectively referred to as T_set (target temperature). The temperature error range ±dθr of the refrigerator compartment 8, the temperature error range ±dθi of the ice-making compartment 9, the temperature error range ±dθs of the temperature switchable compartment 10, and the temperature error range ±dθf of the freezer compartment 12 are collectively referred to as ±dθ (temperature error range). The range between the upper and lower limits of T_set ±dθ is referred to as the temperature control range. When the temperature of each storage compartment reaches the upper limit of the temperature control range, T_set+dθ, the device control unit 92 opens the various dampers and operates the compressor 29 to begin cooling each storage compartment. Then, when the temperature of each storage compartment reaches the lower limit of the temperature control range, T_set-dθ, the device control unit 92 closes the various dampers and stops the compressor 29 to end cooling each storage compartment.

[0057] Returning to the explanation of the pull-down operation, during the pull-down operation, as cooling of each storage compartment progresses and the storage compartment temperature of the "storage compartment targeted for air purification" reaches T_set+dθf (if Yes in step S2), the device control unit 92 closes the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70, increasing the resistance of the opening / closing plate 72 to the cold air flowing through the "installation air duct" compared to when the opening / closing plate 72 is open, thereby reducing the flow rate of the cold air supplied to the "storage compartment targeted for air purification" (step S3). Through this control, the air purifier 70 purifies the cold air supplied to the "storage compartment targeted for air purification," while slowing down the rate (temperature gradient) at which the storage compartment temperature of the "storage compartment targeted for air purification" cools from T_set+dθs to T_set−dθs compared to when the opening / closing plate 72 is open (or when no air purifier is installed in the "installation air duct") (i.e., slowing down the cooling). The above-described action prevents the temperature of the "storage compartment to be purified" from being excessively cooled beyond the temperature control range during pull-down operation. When the storage compartment temperature reaches T_set (Yes in step S4), the device control unit 92 ends the pull-down operation and transitions to temperature adjustment operation (step S5).

[0058] During pull-down operation, when the outside air temperature is high, device control unit 92 increases the rotation speed of compressor 29 and the rotation speed of fan 25 more than usual to ensure cooling capacity for each storage compartment, but the temperature of the storage compartment may exceed T_set-dθs on the negative side by the time device control unit 92 closes the damper and stops the supply of cold air to the storage compartment. In refrigerator 100 according to the present embodiment, device control unit 92 closes opening / closing plate 72 of air purifier 70 before the damper. This slows the cooling rate of the storage compartment that is the target of air purification, and makes it possible to prevent the storage compartment from being cooled excessively compared to a refrigerator without an air purifier.

[0059] The temperature control operation is a normal operation of the refrigerator 100, and is an operation performed by the refrigerator 100 to cool and preserve stored items. In the temperature control operation, the storage compartment temperature of each storage compartment is controlled to be within a range of T_set±dθf. When cooling the refrigerator compartment, the device control unit 92 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 29 and the rotation speed of the blower 25 so that the refrigerator compartment temperature Tf acquired by the temperature acquisition unit 91 becomes a predetermined first target temperature TF_set. Furthermore, the first target temperature TF_set has a temperature control range made up of an upper limit value TF_set+dθf that is preset higher than the first target temperature TF_set, and a lower limit value TF_set−dθf that is preset lower than the first target temperature TF_set. When cooling the refrigerator compartment, the device control unit 92 controls the rotation speed of the compressor 29 and the rotation speed of the blower 25 so that the refrigerator compartment temperature Tr acquired by the refrigerator compartment temperature acquisition unit 13 becomes a preset first target temperature TF_set. The first target temperature TF_set has a temperature control range made up of an upper limit value TF_set+dθf that is preset higher than the first target temperature TF_set and a lower limit value TF_set-dθf that is preset lower than the first target temperature TF_set. During temperature adjustment operation, the opening / closing plate 72 is closed, and the air purifying device 70 purifies the cool air supplied to the "storage compartment to be purified."

[0060] During the temperature control operation, the control device 45 acquires a first defrost interval time Limit_time1, which is the criterion for a first termination determination of the temperature control operation, from the storage unit 94. The control device 45 acquires a second defrost interval time Limit_time2, which is the criterion for a second termination determination of the temperature control operation, from the storage unit 94. The control device 45 starts measuring the defrost interval time interval_time to measure the actual interval time of the defrost operation.

[0061] During the temperature control operation, the control device 45 determines whether a condition for terminating the temperature control operation is satisfied (step S6). This determination is made based on whether the duration of the temperature control operation exceeds the defrost interval. Refrigerator 100 according to this embodiment determines the defrost interval based on two different times. The first determination is made when the duration of continuous operation of compressor 29 exceeds a first threshold time. The first threshold time for the first defrost interval differs depending on the specifications of the refrigerator. Therefore, the first threshold time for the first defrost interval is determined in advance through experiments on the target refrigerator, and is the time when frost is likely to have formed on cooler 24. The second defrost interval is the time when the refrigerator door is opened and closed very frequently, when it is estimated that a large amount of hot and humid air from outside the refrigerator is present inside the refrigerator, and when frost is likely to have formed on cooler 24. Here, the number of door openings and closings per day depends on the type of storage compartment and the number of doors of the target refrigerator. For example, if the number of door openings and closings is approximately 60 times per day or more, the control device 45 refers to the second defrost interval time. If the determination result shows that the condition for terminating the temperature control operation is not met (No in step S6), the control device 45 continues the temperature control operation. If the determination result shows that the condition for terminating the temperature control operation is met, the control device 45 terminates the temperature control operation and starts pre-cooling operation. When the control device 45 performs the defrosting operation, the temperature of each storage compartment rises until the frost adhering to the surface of the cooler 24 melts. Therefore, the control device 45 performs pre-cooling operation before the defrosting operation, and cools each storage compartment to a temperature lower than the set temperature of the storage compartment before the defrosting operation.

[0062] During pre-cooling operation, the device control unit 92 checks the compressor rotation speed increase amount for pre-cooling operation from that for temperature control operation, which is stored in the memory unit 93. Then, the device control unit 92 determines the temperature downshift amount for each storage compartment during pre-cooling operation, which is determined based on the outside air temperature and the amount of storage in the refrigerator. The device control unit 92 then opens the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switching compartment damper 36 until the temperature of each storage compartment becomes lower than the set temperature by the temperature downshift amount. During pre-cooling operation, the storage compartments are cooled so that the storage compartment temperature is lower than the set temperature of each storage compartment by the temperature downshift amount. Pre-cooling operation is an operation for rapidly cooling the storage compartments. To quickly cool each storage compartment during pre-cooling operation, the device control unit 92 opens the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70 before pre-cooling operation (step S7). After opening the opening / closing plate 72, the equipment control unit 92 starts pre-cooling operation, opens the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switching compartment damper 36, and allows cold air to flow through the first air duct 33A, the second air duct 33B, the third air duct 33C, and the fourth air duct 33D, thereby quickly cooling each storage compartment (step S8).

[0063] After performing step S8, the device control unit 92 determines whether the temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 8, ice-making compartment 9, temperature switchable compartment 10, and freezer compartment 12 satisfy the conditions for terminating the pre-cooling operation before the defrosting operation (step S9). Specifically, the device control unit 92 checks the temperatures of the storage compartments measured by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 40, ice-making compartment temperature sensor 41, temperature switchable compartment temperature sensor 42, and freezer compartment temperature sensor 43, and determines whether the temperatures of the storage compartments are equal to or lower than the set temperature by the temperature shift-down amount. If the temperatures of the storage compartments are equal to or lower than the set temperature by the temperature shift-down amount (Yes in step S9), the device control unit 92 terminates the pre-cooling operation and starts the defrosting operation (step S10).

[0064] During the defrosting operation, the device control unit 92 heats the heater 26 installed below the cooler 24 in the refrigerator body 1 to melt the frost adhering to the cooler 24. To heat the cooler 24 during the defrosting operation, the device control unit 92 closes the refrigerator compartment damper 34, the ice-making compartment damper 35, and the temperature switching compartment damper 36 to prevent air heated in the cooler compartment 27 from flowing into the storage compartments. During the defrosting operation, the device control unit 92 acquires the cooler compartment temperature Tdef_th at time t from the cooler compartment temperature sensor 44. If the cooler compartment temperature Tdef_th is equal to or higher than the defrost setting temperature Tdef_end (Yes in step S11), the device control unit 92 ends the defrosting operation and transitions to recovery operation after the defrosting operation (step S12).

[0065] During defrosting operation, the refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature-switching compartment damper 36 are closed, and cold air is not supplied to the storage compartments. Therefore, immediately after the end of defrosting operation, the indoor temperatures of the storage compartments may exceed the set temperature range of each storage compartment. Therefore, during recovery operation performed after defrosting operation, the appliance control unit 92 rapidly cools the storage compartments to prevent the stored items from being heated above the set temperature range of each storage compartment for a long period of time. The appliance control unit 92 opens the refrigerator compartment damper 34, ice-making compartment damper 35, and temperature-switching compartment damper 36. Similarly, the appliance control unit 92 opens the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70. This control facilitates the flow of cold air through the first air duct 33A, the second air duct 33B, the third air duct 33C, and the fourth air duct 33D, thereby quickly cooling each storage compartment. When the storage compartment temperature reaches T_set+dθf (if Yes in step S13), the device control unit 92 closes the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70 (step S14). The effect of closing the opening / closing plate 72 of the air purifier 70 in step S14 is the same as in step S3, so a description thereof will be omitted. After performing step S14, when the storage compartment temperature reaches T_set (if Yes in step S15), the device control unit 92 ends the recovery operation and transitions to temperature adjustment operation (step S5).

[0066] As described above, in refrigerator 100, control device 45 performs various operations, including pull-down operation, temperature control operation, pre-cool operation, defrost operation, and recovery operation, and during each operation, control device 45 controls opening and closing of opening / closing plate 72 of air purifier 70. Of the various operations of refrigerator 100, pull-down operation, pre-cool operation, and recovery operation are rapid cooling operations that rapidly cool the storage compartment. Of the various operations of refrigerator 100, temperature control operation is an interior cleaning operation that reduces odors supplied to the storage compartment. Control device 45 can switch between an interior cleaning operation in which opening / closing plate 72 is closed and cold air flowing through opening 77 passes through opening / closing plate 72 to purify the cold air, and a rapid cooling operation in which control device 45 opens opening / closing plate 72 and prevents cold air flowing through opening 77 from passing through opening / closing plate 72, thereby increasing the flow rate of air flowing through air passage 33 compared to the interior cleaning operation. Therefore, according to the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment, when rapid cooling of the storage compartment is required, such as in pull-down operation, pre-cool operation, and recovery operation, the opening / closing plate 72 can be opened to ensure the flow of cold air into the storage compartment, and when rapid cooling of the storage compartment is not required, such as in temperature control operation, the opening / closing plate 72 can be closed to prevent odors from entering the storage compartment.

[0067] The above has described the control of air purifier 70 in accordance with various operations of refrigerator 100, but the present embodiment is not limited to this. When the user wants to purify the air without waiting for the timing of the interior cleaning operation, for example when the user senses a strong odor in the storage compartment, the user can set the opening and closing of air purifier 70 from operation unit 21 of control panel 20. When an open signal or close signal for air purifier 70 is input from operation unit 21, control device 45 controls the opening and closing of air purifier 70.

[0068] Embodiment 2. An air purifying device according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 15, 16, and 17. Note that in Figures 15, 16, and 17, the same reference numerals as in Figure 5 indicate the same parts. In embodiment 1, the air duct opening and closing device and the air purifying device 70 were arranged separately in the air duct, but in air purifying device 170 according to embodiment 2, the air purifying device has the function of adjusting the flow rate of cool air. The air purifying device according to embodiment 2 is configured to include a lid 172 that adjusts the flow rate of cool air, in addition to the opening and closing plate 72 similar to that of embodiment 1.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 15 , air purifying device 170 in embodiment 2 includes housing 171, opening / closing plate 72, lid 172, first drive unit, and second drive unit 173. The first drive unit corresponds to drive unit 73 in embodiment 1. The first drive unit includes a first motor, a first gear, and a first rotating shaft. The first motor, the first gear, and the first rotating shaft correspond to motor 78, gear 79, and rotating shaft 80 in embodiment 1. Second drive unit 173 includes second motor 174 and second gear 175 inside case 74. Second gear 175 is integrally molded with second rotating shaft 176, and one end of second rotating shaft 176 protrudes outside case 74. Driving second motor 174 rotates second gear 175, which in turn rotates second rotating shaft 176. The first motor and the first gear are devices for rotating the opening / closing plate 72 to open and close the opening 77 in the flat plate portion 75. The second motor 174 and the second gear 176 are devices for rotating the lid portion 172 to open and close the opening 77. When the air purifying device 170 is installed in the air passage 33, the first rotary shaft and the second rotary shaft 176 are both located upstream or downstream with respect to the flat plate portion 75. One end of the first rotary shaft and one end of the second rotary shaft 176 are parallel to each other and protrude outside the case 74 with a predetermined gap between them.

[0070] An opening / closing plate 72 is attached to the first rotating shaft. Furthermore, a lid portion 172 is attached to the second rotating shaft 176. The lid portion 172 adjusts the flow rate of cool air flowing through the air passage 33 by opening and closing an opening 77. The opening / closing plate 72 rotates relative to the flat plate portion 75 as the first rotating shaft rotates, thereby opening and closing the opening 77 of the flat plate portion 75. The lid portion 172 rotates relative to the flat plate portion 75 as the second rotating shaft 176 rotates, thereby opening and closing the opening 77. A lid portion bearing portion 177 is attached to the lid portion 172 and rotates together with the second rotating shaft 176. When the flat surface 75A of the flat plate portion 75 is viewed from the front, the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft 176 are located on either side of the opening 77, and the second rotation shaft 176 is provided at a position where it does not come into contact with the opening / closing plate 72 when the opening / closing plate 72 closes the opening 77. In the second embodiment, the opening / closing plate 72 and the lid portion 172 are rotatably attached to the case 74 on one side (flat surface 75A) of the flat plate portion 74.

[0071] 16 and 17 are diagrams showing the operation of the opening / closing plate 72 and the lid portion 172 of the air purifier 170. FIG. 11(b) is a CC cross-sectional view showing a cross section passing through the center of the opening 77 in the extension direction of the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft 176 and perpendicular to the extension direction. The opening and closing operation of the opening / closing plate 72 and the lid portion 172 of the air purifier 170 will be described using FIGS. 16 and 17. Note that the drive unit 173 and the case 74, other than the first rotation shaft and the second rotation shaft 176, are omitted in FIGS. 16 and 17. In FIGS. 16 and 17, the first rotation shaft is disposed on the left side and the second rotation shaft 176 is disposed on the right side, but the positions may be reversed.

[0072] The air purifier 170 opens and closes the air passage 33 by opening and closing the opening 77 by rotating the opening / closing plate 72 or the lid portion 172. The rotation directions shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 are the rotation directions when the opening / closing plate 72 and the lid portion 172 are closed. As shown in FIG. 16 , when the opening / closing plate 72 transitions from an open state to a closed state, the first rotation shaft rotates the opening / closing plate 72 clockwise. As shown in FIG. 17 , when the lid portion 172 transitions from an open state to a closed state, the second rotation shaft 176 rotates the lid portion 172 counterclockwise. Furthermore, when the opening / closing plate 72 transitions from a closed state to an open state, the first rotation shaft rotates the opening / closing plate 72 counterclockwise. Furthermore, when the lid portion 172 transitions from an open state to a closed state, the second rotation shaft 176 rotates the lid portion 172 clockwise.

[0073] In air purifying device 170 in embodiment 2, in order to change a state in which opening / closing plate 72 is in a closed state and lid unit 172 is in an open state to a closed state, control device 45 drives the first motor to rotate the first rotary shaft to switch opening / closing plate 72 from the closed state to the open state, and then control device 45 drives the second motor to rotate second rotary shaft 176 to switch lid unit 172 from the open state to the closed state. In addition, in order to change a state in which opening / closing plate 72 is in an open state and lid unit 172 is in a closed state to a closed state, control device 45 drives the second motor to rotate second rotary shaft 176 to switch lid unit 172 from the closed state to the open state, and then control device 45 drives the first motor to rotate the first rotary shaft to switch opening / closing plate 72 from the open state to the closed state.

[0074] In air purifying device 170 of embodiment 2, air purifying device 170 includes lid portion 172. In addition to the effects of embodiment 1, when cold air needs to be supplied to the storage compartment, lid portion 172 can be opened to open opening 77, allowing cold air in duct 33 to be blown into the storage compartment through the storage compartment outlet. Furthermore, when cold air does not need to be supplied to the storage compartment, lid portion 172 can be closed to close opening 77, preventing cold air in duct 33 from being supplied to the storage compartment. This eliminates the need for an air duct opening / closing device such as refrigerator compartment damper 34, eliminating the need for a space to install the air duct opening / closing device in the refrigerator and a component corresponding to a housing for the air duct opening / closing device. Therefore, refrigerator 200 equipped with air purifying device 170 of embodiment 2 can reduce constraints on the design of the air duct, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the design of the refrigerator. Furthermore, refrigerator 200 equipped with air purifying device 170 of embodiment 2 can reduce the number of components to be installed in the air duct during assembly, thereby reducing the number of steps.

[0075] Embodiment 3. An air purifying device according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 18 and 19. Note that in Figures 18 and 19, the same reference numerals as in Figures 5 and 15 indicate the same parts. In embodiment 3, as in embodiment 2, an air duct opening and closing device and an air purifying device are integrated. As shown in Figure 18, an air purifying device 270 according to embodiment 3 includes a housing 271, an opening / closing plate 72, a cover 272, a first drive unit, and a third drive unit 273. The housing 271 includes a second case 274 that protrudes upstream and downstream from the flat plate portion 75 when attached to the air duct 33, and sidewall portions 275 that are provided along the edge of the flat plate portion 75 and protrude upstream and downstream from the flat plate portion 75. The first drive unit corresponds to drive unit 73 in embodiment 1. The third drive unit 273 includes a third motor 276 and a third gear 277 inside the case 74. A third rotating shaft 278 is integrally molded with the third gear 277. One end of the third rotating shaft 278 protrudes outside the second case 274. As shown in FIG. 18 , the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the air purifying device 270 includes a third rotating shaft 278 and a lid 272 on the opposite side of the flat plate 75 from the opening / closing plate 72. A lid bearing 279 is attached to the third rotating shaft 278 and rotates together with the third rotating shaft 278.

[0076] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the operation of air purifier 270 in embodiment 3. Air purifier 270 opens and closes air passage 33 by rotating opening / closing plate 72 or lid 272 to open and close opening 77. In air purifier 170 in embodiment 2, as shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 , when one of opening / closing plate 72 and lid 172 is in a half-open state between the open state and the closed state, or when the other is in a closed state closing opening 77, the other cannot close opening 77. In contrast, in air purifier 270 in embodiment 3, the opening / closing plate 72 and lid 272 do not come into contact with each other within their ranges of motion, and therefore, opening / closing plate 72 and lid 272 can be controlled to open and close independently. Therefore, in air purifying device 270 of embodiment 3, in addition to the effects of embodiment 2, the control required in embodiment 2 to avoid interference between opening / closing plate 72 and lid portion 172 is not necessary, and it is possible to save time for opening and closing the filter and lid portion, and power for extra operation of first motor and third motor 276. In air purifying device 270 of embodiment 3, the opening degrees of both opening / closing plate 72 and lid portion 272 can be adjusted, and therefore, in addition to the effects of embodiment 2, the flow rate of cool air flowing through air passage 33 can be more precisely adjusted.

[0077] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in the above-described embodiments, in the air purifying device, the opening is closed when the filter or lid portion contacts the flat plate portion, and the opening is opened when the filter or lid portion moves away from the flat plate portion. Also, in the refrigerator compartment damper, the damper opening is closed when the damper lid portion contacts the flat plate portion, and the damper opening is opened when the damper lid portion moves away from the damper flat plate portion. However, the shapes of the flat plate portion and the damper flat plate portion are not limited to these.

[0078] 20 and 21 show modified examples of the air purifying device 70 and the refrigerator compartment damper 34 according to the first embodiment. In this modified example (air purifying device 70A) of the air purifying device 70 according to the first embodiment, the housing 71 of the air purifying device 70 includes a first protrusion 66 that protrudes from the flat plate portion 75 toward the side where the opening / closing plate 72 is provided, so as to surround the opening 77 along the opening 77. The first protrusion 66 is cylindrical. As shown in FIG. 21 , the first protrusion opening 67 formed by the first protrusion 66 is closed when the opening / closing plate 72 comes into contact with the first protrusion 66, thereby closing the air purifying device 70. As shown in FIG. 20 , the first protrusion opening 67 is opened when the opening / closing plate 72 moves away from the first protrusion 66, thereby opening the air purifying device 70. Similarly, in a modified example (refrigerator compartment damper 34A) of the refrigerator compartment damper 34 in Embodiment 1, the damper housing 60 of the refrigerator compartment damper 34 includes a damper protrusion 68 that protrudes from the damper flat plate portion 62 toward the damper lid portion 61 so as to surround the damper opening 63 along the damper opening 63. The damper protrusion 68 is cylindrical. The damper lid portion 61 also includes a cushion portion 95 on the surface that faces the damper protrusion 68 in the closed state. The cushion portion 95 has a minute space therein and is configured to be elastically deformable. As shown in FIG. 21 , when the cushion portion 95 comes into contact with the damper protrusion 68, the damper protrusion opening 69 formed by the damper protrusion 68 is closed, thereby closing the refrigerator compartment damper 34. As shown in FIG. 20 , when the cushion portion 95 moves away from the damper protrusion 68, the damper protrusion opening 69 is opened, thereby opening the refrigerator compartment damper 34. In modified example 70A of air purifier 70, first protrusion 66 contacts filter 83, and tip 66A of first protrusion 66 abuts filter 83 in a manner that deforms filter 83 inward. Therefore, in modified example 70A of air purifier 70, a gap is less likely to form between opening / closing plate 72 and first protrusion 66, and the ability of opening / closing plate 72 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to air purifier 70 (see FIGS. 10 and 21 ). Similarly, in modified example 34A of refrigerator compartment damper 34, tip 68A of damper protrusion 68 contacts cushion portion 95, and tip 68A of damper protrusion 68 abuts damper lid 61 in a manner that deforms cushion portion 95 inward.Therefore, in modified example 70A of air purifier 70, a gap is less likely to form between damper lid 61 and damper protrusion 68, and the ability of damper lid 61 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to refrigerator compartment damper 34 (see FIGS. 10 and 21). Therefore, in a refrigerator equipped with modified example 70A of air purifier 70 and modified example 34A of refrigerator compartment damper 34, the temperature of each storage compartment can be controlled more accurately than in a refrigerator equipped with air purifier 70 and refrigerator compartment damper 34.

[0079] FIG. 22 shows a modified example of air purifying device 170 according to Embodiment 2. In the modified example (air purifying device 170A) shown in FIG. 22 , housing 171 of air purifying device 170A includes a second protrusion 179 that protrudes from flat plate portion 75 toward opening 77, so as to surround opening 77. Second protrusion 179 is cylindrical. Cover portion 172 includes a cushion portion 95 on the surface that faces second protrusion 179 in the closed state. Second protrusion opening 180 formed by second protrusion 179 is closed when opening / closing plate 72 or cover portion 172 comes into contact with second protrusion 179, and second protrusion opening 180 is opened when opening / closing plate 72 or cover portion 172 moves away from second protrusion 179. In modified example 170A of air purifying device 170, when opening / closing plate 72 is closed, second protrusion 179 comes into contact with filter 83, and the tip of second protrusion 179 deforms filter 83 inward. Therefore, in modified example 170A of air purifying device 170, a gap is less likely to form between opening / closing plate 72 and second protrusion 179, and the ability of opening / closing plate 72 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to when second protrusion 179 is not provided (see FIGS. 16 and 22 ). Similarly, in modified example 170A of air purifying device 170, when lid portion 172 is closed, the tip of second protrusion 179 comes into contact with cushion portion 95, and the tip of second protrusion 179 abuts against lid portion 172 so as to deform cushion portion 95 inward. Therefore, in modified example 170A of air purifier 170, a gap is less likely to form between lid portion 172 and damper protrusion 68, and the ability of lid portion 172 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to a case in which second protrusion 179 is not provided (see FIGS. 17 and 22 ). Therefore, in a refrigerator equipped with modified example 170A of air purifier 170, the temperature of each storage compartment can be controlled more accurately than in the case of air purifier 170.

[0080] FIG. 23 shows a modified example of air purifying device 270 according to Embodiment 3. In the modified example (air purifying device 270A) shown in FIG. 23 , housing 271 of air purifying device 270A includes, on flat plate portion 75, third protrusion 181 that protrudes along opening 77 toward the side where openable / closable plate 72 is provided so as to surround opening 77, and fourth protrusion 182 that protrudes along opening 77 toward the side where lid portion 272 is provided so as to surround opening 77 (the side opposite third protrusion 181). Third protrusion 181 and fourth protrusion 182 are cylindrical and communicate with each other. Furthermore, lid portion 272 includes cushion portion 95 on the surface facing fourth protrusion 182 in the closed state. When the opening / closing plate 72 comes into contact with the third protrusion 181, the third protrusion opening 183 formed by the third protrusion 181 is closed, and when the opening / closing plate 72 moves away from the third protrusion 181, the third protrusion opening 183 is opened. Similarly, when the lid portion 272 comes into contact with the fourth protrusion 182, the fourth protrusion opening 184 formed by the fourth protrusion 182 is closed, and when the lid portion 272 moves away from the fourth protrusion 182, the fourth protrusion opening 184 is opened. In the modified example of the air purifier 270, when the opening / closing plate 72 is closed, the third protrusion 181 comes into contact with the filter 83, and the tip 181A of the third protrusion 181 deforms the filter 83 inward. Therefore, in modified example 270A of air purifying device 270, a gap is less likely to form between opening / closing plate 72 and third protrusion 181, and the ability of opening / closing plate 72 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to when third protrusion 181 is not provided (see FIGS. 19 and 23 ). Similarly, in modified example 270A of air purifying device 270, when lid portion 272 is closed, the tip of fourth protrusion 182 contacts cushion portion 95, and tip 182A of fourth protrusion 182 abuts against lid portion 272 so as to deform cushion portion 95 inward. Therefore, in modified example 270A of air purifying device 270, a gap is less likely to form between lid portion 272 and fourth protrusion 182, and the ability of lid portion 272 to shield air passage 33 is improved compared to when fourth protrusion 182 is not provided (see FIGS. 19 and 23 ). Therefore, in a refrigerator equipped with modified example 270A of air purifying device 270, the temperature of each storage compartment can be controlled more accurately than in the case of air purifying device 270.

[0081] The configurations described in the above embodiments are merely examples of the contents of the present disclosure, and may be combined with other known techniques. Furthermore, parts of the configurations may be omitted or modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0082] 1...refrigerator body, 2...outer box, 3...inner box, 4...insulating member, 5...opening, 6...storage space, 7A...partition wall, 7B...partition wall, 7C...partition wall, 8...refrigerating compartment, 9...ice making compartment, 10...temperature switchable compartment, 11...vegetable compartment, 12...freezer compartment, 20...operation panel, 21...operation unit, 22...display unit, 23...outside air temperature sensor, 24...cooler, 25...blower, 26...defrost heater, 27...cooler compartment, 29...compressor, 32...refrigeration cycle circuit duct, 33A...first air path, 33B...second air path, 33C...third air path, 33D...fourth air path, 34...refrigerator compartment damper, 35...ice-making compartment damper, 36...temperature switching compartment damper, 40...refrigerator compartment temperature sensor, 41...ice-making compartment temperature sensor, 42...temperature switching compartment temperature sensor, 43...freezer compartment temperature sensor, 44...cooler compartment temperature sensor, 45...control device, 46...refrigerator compartment return air path, 47...freezer compartment return air path, 48...air path guide, 49...refrigerator compartment outlet, 50...rear wall, 51...ice maker compartment outlet, 52...rear wall, 53...temperature switchable compartment outlet, 54...freezer compartment outlet, 55...refrigerator compartment return air duct inlet, 56...freezer compartment return air duct inlet, 70...air purifier, 71...housing, 72...opening / closing plate, 73...drive unit, 74...case, 75...flat plate portion, 77...opening, 78...motor, 79...gear, 80...rotating shaft, 81...wiring, 82...frame body, 83...filter, 83A...cover part, 83B...air purification part, 84...frame part, 86...bearing part, 88...bearing part, 90...temperature setting part, 91...temperature acquisition part, 92...device control part, 93...storage part, 170...air purification device, 171...housing, 172...filter, 173...second drive unit, 174...case, 175...second gear, 176...second rotation shaft, 177...lid part bearing part, 270...air purification device

Claims

1. A refrigerator comprising: a storage compartment for storing an object to be cooled; a cooler compartment containing a cooler that generates cold air by exchanging heat between a refrigerant flowing inside and air; an air passage connecting the storage compartment and the cooler compartment; a fan that circulates the generated cold air through the air passage into the storage compartment and the cooler compartment; an opening / closing plate that opens and closes the air passage; and a control unit that controls the opening and closing of the opening / closing plate, wherein the opening / closing plate is equipped with a filter that purifies the cold air.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising a lid section provided upstream or downstream of the opening / closing plate for opening and closing the air passage, wherein the control section controls the opening and closing of the lid section.

3. A refrigerator as described in claim 2, comprising a case and a flat plate portion protruding from the case and having an opening, wherein the case and the flat plate portion are attached to the air passage, the opening / closing plate and the lid portion are rotatably attached to the case on the upstream or downstream side of the flat plate portion, and the opening portion is opened and closed by the opening portion being opened and closed by the opening / closing plate or the lid portion, thereby opening and closing the air passage.

4. A refrigerator as described in claim 2, comprising: a case; and a flat plate portion protruding from the case and having an opening, wherein the case and the flat plate portion are attached to the air passage; the opening / closing plate is attached to the case on the upstream or downstream side of the flat plate portion; and the lid portion is attached to the case on the opposite side of the flat plate from the opening / closing plate, with the opening portion being opened and closed by the opening / closing plate or the lid portion, thereby opening and closing the air passage.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the filter is a deodorizing filter that adsorbs odors.

6. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the filter is a dust collection filter that collects dust.

7. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the filter is a dehumidifying filter that captures water vapor.

8. The refrigerator according to claim 2, wherein the control unit sets the opening / closing plate to the open state and the lid unit to the open state during pull-down operation, which is an operation for cooling the storage compartment immediately after power is turned on.

9. The refrigerator according to claim 8, further comprising a temperature acquisition unit installed in the storage compartment and acquiring the indoor temperature of the storage compartment, wherein the control unit controls the drive unit to close the opening with the opening / closing plate to enter the closed state when the indoor temperature of the storage compartment reaches the upper limit of a predetermined temperature control range centered on the set temperature of the storage compartment during the pull-down operation, and closes the lid unit to restrict the cold air supplied to the storage compartment during the pull-down operation when the indoor temperature reaches the upper limit of the temperature control range.

Images