JP2021116941A - refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a refrigerator that can perform more appropriate cooling control.SOLUTION: A refrigerator according to an embodiment comprises a cooler, a case, a first damper, a second damper, and a control unit. The case includes a first switching chamber capable of switching an application between a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, a second switching chamber capable of switching an application between a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, and a cooling chamber in which the cooler is housed. The first damper controls supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the first switching chamber. The second damper controls supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the second switching chamber. The control unit opens the first damper if a first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Embodiments of the present invention relate to refrigerators.

A refrigerator having a plurality of switching chambers whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber has been proposed. In such a refrigerator, when the switching chamber is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler with the damper corresponding to the switching chamber closed, and the switching chamber is cooled by the cooling heat of the cooler. Is done.

By the way, in the above-mentioned refrigerator, there is room for improvement in terms of cooling of the switching chamber used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, for example, it is difficult to realize a sufficient cooling rate.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2014-5953

An object to be solved by the present invention is to provide a refrigerator capable of performing more appropriate cooling control.

The refrigerator of the embodiment includes a cooler, a housing, a first damper, a second damper, and a control unit. The housing includes a first switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone room and a freezing temperature zone room, a second switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone room and a freezing temperature zone room, and the above. Includes a cooling chamber in which a cooler is housed. The first damper controls the supply of cold air from the cooling chamber to the first switching chamber. The second damper controls the supply of cold air from the cooling chamber to the second switching chamber. The control unit opens the first damper when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber.

The front view which shows the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F2-F2 of the refrigerator shown in FIG. The front view which shows the 1st switching chamber and the 2nd switching chamber of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the structure of the refrigeration cycle apparatus of 1st Embodiment. The block diagram which shows a part of the functional structure of the refrigerator of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the time chart of the normal cooling control of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the time chart of the special cooling control of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the time chart of the special cooling control of 2nd Embodiment. The block diagram which shows a part of the functional structure of the refrigerator of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows an example of the time chart of the special cooling control of 3rd Embodiment. The figure which shows another example of the time chart of the special cooling control of 3rd Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the refrigerator of the embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, configurations having the same or similar functions are designated by the same reference numerals. Then, the duplicate description of those configurations may be omitted. In this specification, the left and right are defined with reference to the direction in which the user standing in front of the refrigerator sees the refrigerator. In addition, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator when viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front", and the side far from the refrigerator is defined as "rear".

As used herein, the term "based on XX" means "based on at least XX" and includes the case where it is based on another element in addition to XX. Further, "based on XX" is not limited to the case where XX is directly used, but also includes the case where it is based on the case where calculation or processing is performed on XX. "XX" is an arbitrary element (for example, arbitrary information).

In the present specification, "opening (or closing) the damper when the predetermined condition is satisfied" is not limited to the case where the damper is opened (or closed) at the moment when the predetermined condition is satisfied, and the predetermined condition is satisfied. This includes opening (or closing) the damper at any time during the period.

Further, in the present specification, "close the damper A and open the damper B" is not limited to the case where the timing of closing the damper A and the timing of opening the damper B are the same, and the damper B is opened after the damper A is closed. This includes the case of opening the damper B and the case of closing the damper A after opening the damper B. The "damper A" and "damper B" are, for example, arbitrary dampers among the first damper 71 and the second damper 72, which will be described later.

(First Embodiment)
[1. Overall configuration of refrigerator]
The refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the refrigerator 1. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line F2-F2 of the refrigerator 1 shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 20, a plurality of shelves 30, a plurality of containers 40, a flow path forming component 50, a cooling unit 60, and a control board 100. I have.

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

The housing 10 has, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and a heat insulating portion 10c (see FIG. 2). The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is formed to be one size larger than the inner box 10a, and is arranged outside the inner box 10a. A heat insulating portion 10c containing a foamed heat insulating material such as urethane foam is provided between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

A plurality of storage chambers 17 and first and second cooling chambers 18A and 18B are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage chambers 17 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice making chamber 17B, a small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching chamber 17D, and a second switching chamber 17E. In the present embodiment, the refrigerating chamber 17A is arranged at the uppermost part, the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C are arranged below the refrigerating chamber 17A, and the first switching chamber 17D is arranged below the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C. The second switching chamber 17E is arranged below the first switching chamber 17D. However, the arrangement of the storage chamber 17 is not limited to the above example. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage chamber 17 that allows food to be taken in and out of each storage chamber 17.

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

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

The housing 10 has first to third partition portions 19A, 19B, 19C. The first to third partition portions 19A, 19B, and 19C are, for example, partition walls along substantially the horizontal direction, respectively. The first partition 19A is located between the refrigerating chamber 17A and the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C, and partitions the refrigerating chamber 17A from the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C. The second partition 19B is located between the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C and the first switching chamber 17D, and partitions the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C from the first switching chamber 17D. There is. The third partition portion 19C is located between the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E, and partitions the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E. Each of the first to third partition portions 19A, 19B, and 19C contains, for example, an effervescent heat insulating material, and has heat insulating properties.

The openings of the plurality of storage chambers 17 are opened and closed by the plurality of doors 20. The plurality of doors 20 include, for example, the left and right refrigerating room doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of the refrigerating room 17A, the ice making room door 20B that closes the opening of the ice making room 17B, and the small freezing room door 20C that closes the opening of the small freezing room 17C. The first switching chamber door 20D that closes the opening of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber door 20E that closes the opening of the second switching chamber 17E are included.

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

The flow path forming component 50 is arranged in the housing 10. The flow path forming component 50 includes a first duct component (first cooler cover) 51 and a second duct component (second cooler cover) 52.

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

The second duct component 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends in the vertical direction. The second duct component 52 extends from the rear of the second switching chamber 17E to the rear of the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezer chamber 17C, for example. A second cooling chamber 18B is formed between the second duct component 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct component 52 has a plurality of cold air outlets 52a and a plurality of cold air return ports 52b (see FIG. 3). The plurality of cold air outlets 52a are opened in the first cold air outlet 52aa opened in the first switching chamber 17D, the second cold air outlet 52ab opened in the second switching chamber 17E, and the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C. Includes a third cold air outlet 52ac. The plurality of cold air return ports 52b include a first cold air return port 52ba (see FIG. 3) opened in the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air return port 52bb (see FIG. 3) opened in the second switching chamber 17E, and ice making. A third cold air return port (not shown) opened in the chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C is included.

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

The cooling unit 60 cools a plurality of storage chambers 17 (refrigerator chamber 17A, ice making chamber 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching chamber 17D, and second switching chamber 17E). The cooling unit 60 includes, for example, a first cooling module 61, a second cooling module 62, first to third dampers 71, 72, 73, a compressor 75, and a refrigeration cycle device 76 (see FIG. 4).

The first cooling module 61 includes, for example, a first cooler (first evaporator) 81 and a first blower 82. The first cooler 81 and the first blower 82 are arranged in the first cooling chamber 18A. The first cooler 81 is supplied with a liquid refrigerant by a refrigerating cycle device 76 described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the first cooling chamber 18A by the heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the first blower 82 is driven, the cold air in the refrigerating chamber 17A flows into the first cooling chamber 18A from the cold air return port 51b. The cold air flowing into the first cooling chamber 18A is cooled by the first cooler 81. The cold air cooled by the first cooler 81 is blown out from the cold air outlet 51a to the refrigerating chamber 17A. As a result, the cold air flowing through the refrigerating chamber 17A is circulated in the refrigerator 1 to cool the refrigerating chamber 17A.

The second cooling module 62 includes, for example, a second cooler (second evaporator) 83 and a second blower 84. The second cooler 83 and the second blower 84 are arranged in the second cooling chamber 18B. The second cooler 83 is supplied with a liquid refrigerant by a refrigerating cycle device 76 described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B by the heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the second blower 84 is driven, the cold air of the ice making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, or the second switching chamber 17E corresponds to the first to third cold air return ports 52ba, 52bb to the second. 2 It flows into the cooling chamber 18B. The air flowing into the second cooling chamber 18B is cooled by the second cooler 83. The cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 flows into the ice making chamber 17B, the small freezer chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E from the first to third cold air outlets 52aa, 52ab, and 52ac. do. As a result, the cold air flowing through the ice making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, and the second switching chamber 17E is circulated in the refrigerator 1, and the ice making chamber 17B, the small freezing chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, And the second switching chamber 17E is cooled.

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

The second damper 72 is provided between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B. The second damper 72 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E by opening and closing the second cold air outlet 52ab, for example. For example, when the second damper 72 is opened, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E. On the other hand, when the second damper 72 is closed, the space between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B is cut off, and cold air is not supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E.

The third damper 73 is provided between the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B. The third damper 73 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezing chamber 17C by opening and closing the third cold air outlet 52ac, for example. For example, when the third damper 73 is opened, the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C. become. On the other hand, when the third damper 73 is closed, the space between the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B is cut off, and cold air is cooled from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezing chamber 17C. Will not be supplied.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E. The second cooler 83 has a first portion 83a that overlaps with the first switching chamber 17D and a second portion 83b that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. In the present embodiment, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the size of the second portion 83b is smaller than the size of the first portion 83a. The second cooler 83 does not have to have the second portion 83b. For example, the entire second cooler 83 may overlap with the first switching chamber 17D. In the present embodiment, the second cooler 83 is eccentrically arranged on the right side with respect to the center of the refrigerator 1 in the left-right direction. The second blower 84 is, for example, a relatively large centrifugal fan. The second blower 84 is arranged above the second cooler 83.

The first cold air outlet 52aa is provided at the upper end of the first switching chamber 17D. The first cold air outlet 52aa is arranged eccentrically on the left side with respect to the center of the refrigerator 1 in the left-right direction, for example. On the other hand, the first cold air return port 52ba is provided at the lower end of the first switching chamber 17D. The first cold air return port 52ba is arranged eccentrically on the right side with respect to the center of the refrigerator 1 in the left-right direction, for example.

The first damper 71 has, for example, a first flap 71a that covers the first cold air outlet 52aa and a first drive mechanism 71b that drives the first flap 71a. The first drive mechanism 71b includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The first drive mechanism 71b opens the first cold air outlet 52aa by, for example, rotating or sliding the first flap 71a. Here, the "opening amount of the first damper 71" means the degree of opening of the first damper 71 (the degree of ease of flow of cold air with respect to the first cold air outlet 52aa). For example, based on the state in which the first cold air outlet 52aa is closed by the first flap 71a, the larger the drive amount (rotation amount, slide movement amount, etc.) of the first flap 71a by the first drive mechanism 71b, the first. The opening amount of 1 damper 71 becomes large.

The second cold air outlet 52ab is provided at the upper end of the second switching chamber 17E. The second cold air outlet 52ab is eccentrically arranged on the left side with respect to the center of the refrigerator 1 in the left-right direction, for example. On the other hand, the second cold air return port 52bb is provided at the upper end of the second switching chamber 17E. The second cold air return port 52bb is arranged eccentrically on the right side with respect to the center of the refrigerator 1 in the left-right direction, for example.

The second damper 72 has, for example, a second flap 72a that covers the second cold air outlet 52ab and a second drive mechanism 72b that drives the second flap 72a. The second drive mechanism 72b includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The second drive mechanism 72b opens the second cold air outlet 52ab by, for example, rotating or sliding the second flap 72a. Here, the "opening amount of the second damper 72" means the degree of opening of the second damper 72 (the degree of ease of flow of cold air with respect to the second cold air outlet 52ab). For example, based on the state in which the second cold air outlet 52ab is closed by the second flap 72a, the larger the drive amount (rotation amount, slide movement amount, etc.) of the second flap 72a by the second drive mechanism 72b, the second. The opening amount of the 2 damper 72 becomes large.

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

The control board 100 (see FIG. 1) is provided on, for example, the upper wall 11 of the housing 10. In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the upper wall 11 of the housing 10 has a recess recessed downward. The control board 100 is arranged in the recess. The control board 100 has a control unit 100a (see FIG. 5) composed of, for example, a microcomputer or a timer. The control unit 100a controls the entire refrigerator 1. The control unit 100a will be described in detail later.

[2. Refrigeration cycle device]
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 76. The refrigeration cycle device 76 includes a condenser 91, a dryer 92, a three-way valve 93, capillary tubes 94A and 94B, suction pipes 95A and 95B, and a check valve 96. These components are annularly connected in the order of refrigerant flow: compressor 75, condenser 91, dryer 92, three-way valve 93, capillary tubes 94A, 94B, coolers 81, 83, and suction pipes 95A, 95B. There is. More specifically, the condenser 91 and the dryer 92 are connected in order to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 75. A three-way valve 93 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 92. The three-way valve 93 has one inlet and two outlets to which the dryer 92 is connected.

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

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

After that, the low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant flows into the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B). The temperature of the gas refrigerant immediately after flowing into the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B) is as low as about −10 ° C. This gas refrigerant exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) while passing through the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B), and finally at room temperature. The temperature is raised to a degree. Then, this gas refrigerant is sucked into the compressor 75 again, and the circulation of the refrigerant is completed.

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

[3. control]
[3.1 Functional configuration related to control]
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1. The control unit 100a includes an operation panel unit 111, a storage unit 112, a refrigerating room temperature sensor 113, a first switching room temperature sensor 114, a second switching room temperature sensor 115, a first damper 71, a second damper 72, and a first blower. The 82, the second blower 84, the compressor 75, and the three-way valve 93 are electrically connected.

The operation panel unit 111 is realized by, for example, a button, a dial, a capacitance type touch sensor, or the like, and accepts a user's operation related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the operation panel unit 111 accepts a user's operation of switching each of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E between the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the freezing temperature zone chamber.

For example, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "refrigerating operation mode". In the present embodiment, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the operation panel unit 111 sets the operation modes of the refrigerating temperature chamber zone to "strong refrigerating setting", "medium refrigerating setting", and "weak refrigerating setting". It is possible to accept the selection of "refrigerator setting". The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "strong refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting". The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "weak refrigeration setting".

For example, the user operates the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to "medium refrigerating setting" or "strong refrigerating setting", thereby making the first switching chamber 17D a so-called "refrigerating chamber". Can be used as. On the other hand, the user can use the first switching chamber 17D as a so-called "vegetable chamber" by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to "weak refrigeration setting". can. This content will be described in detail later. By setting the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "strong refrigeration setting", the first switching chamber 17D may be used as a so-called "chilled chamber".

On the other hand, the user operates the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D to the "freezing operation mode", whereby the first switching chamber 17D is set to the freezing temperature zone chamber (so-called "freezing chamber"). ) Can be used. In the present embodiment, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber, the operation panel unit 111 sets the operation modes of the freezing temperature chamber zone to "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak". It is possible to accept the selection of "freezing setting". The center temperature of the set temperature range of the "strong freezing setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature range of the "medium freezing setting". The center temperature of the set temperature range of the "medium freezing mode" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature range of the "weak freezing setting".

Similarly, the operation panel unit 111 accepts a user's operation of switching the second switching chamber 17E between the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the freezing temperature zone chamber. The content relating to the switching of the operation mode of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as the content relating to the switching of the operation mode of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, in the description of the second switching room 17E, "first switching room 17D" may be read as "second switching room 17E" in the above-mentioned description of the first switching room 17D. In the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, each of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E can be set to an arbitrary storage chamber selected from a refrigerator compartment, a freezing chamber, a vegetable compartment, and the like according to the user's preference. ..

The storage unit 112 is realized by, for example, a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores information necessary for operating the refrigerator 1. The storage unit 112 stores, for example, the control amount and drive timing of the first damper 71, the second damper 72, the first blower 82, the second blower 84, and the compressor 75 in various operation modes.

The refrigerating room temperature sensor 113 is provided in the refrigerating room 17A and detects the air temperature of the refrigerating room 17A. The first switching chamber temperature sensor 114 is provided in the first switching chamber 17D and detects the air temperature of the first switching chamber 17D. The second switching chamber temperature sensor 115 is provided in the second switching chamber 17E and detects the air temperature of the second switching chamber 17E.

[3.2 Refrigerator temperature control]
Next, the temperature control of the refrigerator 1 will be described. Here, the temperature control related to the first switching chamber 17D will be described as a representative.

The control unit 100a monitors the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D (for example, the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114), and cools the first switching chamber 17D based on the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D. Take control. More specifically, the first switching chamber 17D is set with a set temperature zone corresponding to each operation mode. For example, when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D rises to the upper limit of the set temperature zone, the control unit 100a starts cooling the first switching chamber 17D.

On the other hand, the control unit 100a ends (stops) cooling of the first switching chamber 17D, for example, when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D drops to the lower limit value (cooling target temperature) of the set temperature zone. The control unit 100a maintains the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D within the set temperature range by repeating the above operation. In addition to / in addition to the above control, the control unit 100a raises the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D when the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D exceeds a preset time. Cooling of the first switching chamber 17D may be restarted without waiting for the upper limit of the set temperature range to be reached.

The basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, in the explanation regarding the basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E, "the first switching chamber 17D" is read as "the second switching chamber 17E" in the above-described explanation regarding the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D, and "the first switching chamber 17E". The temperature of the chamber 17D (for example, the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114) "is read as" the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E (for example, the temperature detected by the second switching chamber temperature sensor 115) ". Just do it.

[3.3 set temperature range]
Next, the "set temperature zone" will be described. The “set temperature zone” means a temperature range in which the air temperature of the storage chamber 17 subject to temperature control is maintained in each of the refrigerating operation mode and the freezing operation mode. The "set temperature zone" means a temperature range defined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value.

In the present embodiment, as described above, "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting" are provided as the operation modes of the refrigerating temperature chamber zone. The upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone of the "strong refrigeration setting" are lower than the upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting", respectively. The upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone of the "weak refrigeration setting" are lower than the upper and lower limits of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting", respectively.

In the present embodiment, when the "strong refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a sets the control amount (for example, operating frequency) of the compressor 75 higher than when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected. At least one of the above and setting the control amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 to be high is performed. On the other hand, when the "weak refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a sets the control amount (for example, operating frequency) of the compressor 75 lower than when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected. , At least one of setting the control amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 to be low is performed.

The same applies to the operation modes of the freezing temperature chamber zone, "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting". The first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting" and the second switching chamber 17E is set to the "strong freezing setting". When the setting is made, the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 are set according to the preset rules (priority is given to the "refrigerating operation mode" or the "freezing operation mode", etc.). May be determined.

The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 in the "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting", which are the operation modes of the refrigerating temperature chamber zone, may be the same as each other. .. Further, the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 in the "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting" which are the operation modes of the freezing temperature chamber zone may be the same as each other. .. Further, in the operation mode of the refrigerating temperature chamber zone and the operating mode of the freezing temperature chamber zone, the controlled amount of the compressor 75 and the controlled amount of the second blower 84 may be the same as each other.

[3.4 Control mode]
Next, some control modes that can be executed by the control unit 100a will be described. Here, "normal cooling control" and special cooling control accompanied by cooling by frost of the second cooler 83 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "special cooling control") will be described. Hereinafter, an example in which the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber 17E is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber will be described. However, the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E may be opposite to each other. In this case, in the following description, the "first switching chamber 17D" and the "second switching chamber 17E" may be read as each other, and the "first damper 71" and the "second damper 72" may be read as each other. This also applies to the second and third embodiments and modifications.

The normal cooling control and the special cooling control may be arbitrarily switched by, for example, a user's operation on the operation panel unit 111. The refrigerator 1 does not normally have a function of performing cooling control, and may perform only the special cooling control described below with respect to the refrigerating operation mode.

[3.4.1 Normal cooling control]
First, normal cooling control will be described.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of normal cooling control. In the normal cooling control, the first damper 71 is always closed, and the first switching chamber 17D is cooled by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83. That is, in the normal cooling control, the first switching chamber 17D is cooled by heat conduction between the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooler 83.

More specifically, at time t0, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is near the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium refrigerating setting”), and the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is related to the first switching chamber 17D. It is in a state where cooling is not required. On the other hand, at time t0, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 from the second cold air outlet 52ab to the inside of the second switching chamber 17E. Inflow. As a result, the second switching chamber 17E is cooled.

At time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium freezing setting”). On the other hand, at time t1, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigerating setting"), and the first switching chamber 17D is related. It is in a state where cooling is not required. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t1 and closes the second damper 72.

At time t2, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. In normal cooling control, the control unit 100a drives the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t2 without opening the first damper 71. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the first switching chamber 17D is directly cooled by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83. Instead of the control unit 100a and the above control, the compressor 75 may be driven with the second blower 84 stopped without opening the first damper 71. Even in this case, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the first switching chamber 17D is directly cooled by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83.

At time t3, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit value H2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium freezing setting”). Therefore, the control unit 100a opens the second damper 72 at time t3 and continues to drive the compressor 75 and the second blower 84. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 from the second cold air outlet 52ab to the inside of the second switching chamber 17E. Inflow. As a result, the second switching chamber 17E is cooled.

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D becomes unnecessary. On the other hand, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. Note that FIG. 6 is shown so that the temperature drop of the first switching chamber 17D stops at time t4 for convenience of explanation, but in reality, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 75 even after time t4. , The temperature of the first switching chamber 17D can be lowered to a temperature lower than the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode.

At time t5, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode. On the other hand, at time t5, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t5, and closes the second damper 72. From time t6 to time t9 thereafter, the same processing as time t2 to time t5 is performed.

[3.4.2 Special cooling control]
Next, a special cooling control accompanied by cooling by frost of the second cooler 83 will be described.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of special cooling control. In the special cooling control, the first damper 71 is opened at a predetermined timing based on the normal cooling control, and cooling using the frost of the second cooler 83 is performed. In addition, the description about the special cooling control will mainly explain the part different from the normal cooling control. The controls other than those described below with respect to the special cooling control are the same as the normal cooling control.

More specifically, at time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium freezing setting”). On the other hand, at time t1, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigerating setting"), and the first switching chamber 17D is related. It is in a state where cooling is not required. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t1. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. Further, the control unit 100a closes the second damper 72 at time t1. In the present embodiment, the fact that the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83 is an example of the “first predetermined condition”. The first predetermined condition is, for example, a condition in which a state in which the first switching chamber 17D is not excessively cooled even when the first damper 71 is opened is established.

At time t2, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium refrigerating setting”). In the special cooling control, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 while the compressor 75 is stopped at the time t2. As a result, the moist cold air cooled by the frost adhering to the second cooler 83 is supplied from the first cold air outlet 52aa to the first switching chamber 17D in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. .. As a result, the first switching chamber 17D is cooled and the air in the first switching chamber 17D flows. Further, the humidity in the first switching chamber 17D can be appropriately increased. In the present embodiment, it is an example of the "second predetermined condition" that the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. The second predetermined condition is a condition for establishing a state in which cooling of the first switching chamber 17D should be started (restarted) based on, for example, a predetermined temperature control.

In the control unit 100a, for example, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 with the first damper 71 closed (for example, the liquid refrigerant is supplied in the same supply amount as between the time t3 and the time t4). The opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount of the second blower 84 so that the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D is higher than that in the case where the first switching chamber 17D is cooled by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83. Control at least one of (for example, the number of revolutions). That is, the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 satisfying such a condition are set in advance.

In the present embodiment, for example, in the control unit 100a, the second blower 84 is driven with the first damper 71 closed (for example, the second blower 84 is driven by the same control amount as between the time t3 and the time t4). (Driven), the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 (for example, the liquid refrigerant is supplied in the same supply amount as between time t3 and time t4), and the first switching is performed by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83. The opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount of the second blower 84 (for example, rotation) so that the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D is higher than that when the chamber 17D is cooled (that is, in the case of normal cooling control). Control at least one of (number) and. In other words, in FIG. 7, the cooling rate of the period S1 between the time t2 and the time t3 (the rate of temperature decrease of the first switching chamber 17D) is the cooling rate of the period S2 between the time t3 and the time t4. Greater than speed.

Further, in the present embodiment, since the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven between the time t2 and the time t3, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E between the time t2 and the time t3 is reached. The rate of increase is larger than the rate of temperature increase of the second switching chamber 17E between the time t1 and the time t2.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber (for example, when it is used in the "weak freezing setting" or the "medium freezing setting"), the control unit 100a is the first controlled amount. The second blower 84 is driven by (for example, the first rotation speed). On the other hand, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber (for example, "weak refrigerating setting" or "medium refrigerating setting"), the control unit 100a described above. The second blower 84 is driven by a second control amount (for example, a second rotation speed) equal to or higher than the first control amount. Thereby, the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D can be promoted more efficiently. The first control amount and the second control amount are compared, for example, by the control amount when the difference between the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D and the cooling target temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is the same.

When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the first damper 71 is opened, the control unit 100a controls the opening amount of the first damper 71 to be an opening amount between fully open and fully closed. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D from being excessively cooled.

At time t3, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit value H2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium freezing setting”). Therefore, at time t3, the control unit 100a closes the first damper 71, opens the second damper 72, and drives the compressor 75 and the second blower 84. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 from the second cold air outlet 52ab to the inside of the second switching chamber 17E. Inflow. As a result, the second switching chamber 17E is cooled. In the present embodiment, it is an example of the "third predetermined condition" that the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit value H2 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. The third predetermined condition is, for example, a condition in which a state in which cooling of the second switching chamber 17E should be started (restarted) is established.

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode (for example, the set temperature zone of the “medium refrigerating setting”), and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D becomes unnecessary. On the other hand, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. In FIG. 7, for convenience of explanation, the temperature drop of the first switching chamber 17D is shown to stop at time t4, but in reality, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 75 even after time t4, so that the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 75. The temperature of the first switching chamber 17D may drop to a temperature lower than the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. This also applies to the following figures.

At time t5, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode. At time t5, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t5, and closes the second damper 72. From time t6 to time t9 thereafter, the same processing as time t2 to time t5 is performed.

(4. Advantages)
In the present embodiment, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. According to such a configuration, when the first damper 71 is opened, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B communicate with each other, and the cold air of the second cooling chamber 18B cools the first switching chamber 17D. Can be promoted. As a result, for example, the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D can be improved as compared with the case where the first damper 71 is not opened and the first switching chamber 17D is cooled only by the cooling heat of the second cooler 83. , More appropriate cooling control can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. According to such a configuration, the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D can be further improved. Further, when the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven, the cold air flows inside the first switching chamber 17D, and the occurrence of dew condensation due to the retention of the cold air can be further suppressed. .. However, driving the second blower 84 is not essential, and the control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 while the second blower 84 is stopped when the first predetermined condition is satisfied.

In the present embodiment, the first predetermined condition includes that the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. According to such a configuration, by raising the temperature of the second cooler 83, it is possible to promote the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D by utilizing the frost that melts in the second cooler 83, and the cooler air is more moist. Can be supplied to the first switching chamber 17D. Note that "the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83" means, for example, that the compressor 75 is stopped, but the present invention is not limited to this. “The liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83” means that, for example, the liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor 75 and condensed by the condenser 91 is supplied only to the first cooler 81 by the three-way valve 93. Including cases.

Further, the first predetermined condition is not limited to the fact that the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. The first predetermined condition is, for example, cooling that lowers the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E in a state where the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber. May be stopped. In other words, under the first predetermined condition, a liquid refrigerant having an amount and temperature suitable for cooling the refrigerating temperature zone chamber may be supplied to the second cooler 83.

Further, the first predetermined condition is that the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E and the second switching are performed in a state where the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber 17E is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. The difference from the target cooling temperature of the chamber 17E (for example, the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone) is equal to or less than the first threshold value, and the remaining cooling time of the second switching chamber 17E (maximum cooling time per time is set). It may include at least one of the cases where the temperature is equal to or less than the second threshold value. In other words, the first predetermined condition may be a condition that is satisfied before the cooling of the second switching chamber 17E is completed.

In the present embodiment, the second cooler 83 has a first portion 83a that overlaps with the first switching chamber 17D and a second portion 83b that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. In the control unit 100a, the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber, and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber, and the second switching chamber 17E is used to lower the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E. When the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler 83, the first damper 71 is closed. As a result, even if the liquid refrigerant having an amount and temperature suitable for cooling the second switching chamber 17E, which is the freezing temperature zone chamber, is supplied to the second cooler 83, the first switching chamber 17D is excessively cooled. It can be suppressed. When the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, the control unit 100a replaces the closing of the first damper 71 with the first damper as compared with the case where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. The opening amount of 71 may be reduced.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 100a does not open the first damper 71 only when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the second predetermined condition regarding the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is satisfied (for example, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is the set temperature range of the refrigerating operation mode). (When the upper limit value H1 is reached), the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. According to such a configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be cooled by utilizing the frost of the second cooler 83 at the timing when the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is originally started. As a result, the energy saving of the refrigerator 1 can be achieved. The fact that the second predetermined condition is satisfied also means that at least one of the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D reaches a preset standard. good.

When the third predetermined condition regarding the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E is satisfied after the second predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E is the set temperature range of the refrigerating operation mode). Even when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D does not reach the target cooling temperature (for example, the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode), the first damper 71 Is closed, and the second cooler 83 is supplied with the liquid refrigerant. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the second switching chamber 17E can be increased. The fact that the third predetermined condition is satisfied also means that at least one of the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the second switching chamber 17E reaches a preset standard. good. Further, when the control unit 100a supplies the liquid refrigerant to the second cooler 83, the first damper 71 is compared with the case where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83 instead of closing the first damper 71. The opening amount of may be reduced.

In the present embodiment, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second cooler 83 has a first portion 83a that overlaps with the first switching chamber 17D and a second portion 83a that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E and is smaller than the first portion 83a. It has two portions 83b and does not have a portion that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E. Then, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the second switching chamber 17E is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the control unit 100a opens the second damper 72 with the first opening amount for the first hour. .. On the other hand, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the control unit 100a has a first damper with a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount. At least one of opening the 71 and opening the first damper 71 for a second time shorter than the first time is performed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D from being excessively cooled in the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D, which is easier to cool than the second switching chamber 17E. From another point of view, in the cooling of the second switching chamber 17E, which is harder to cool than the first switching chamber 17D, the cooling of the second switching chamber 17E can be promoted more appropriately.

(Second embodiment)
Next, the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the first damper 71 is opened before the second predetermined condition is satisfied. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of the special cooling control of the second embodiment. More specifically, at time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75. Further, the control unit 100a closes the second damper 72.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 with the compressor 75 stopped at time t1. As a result, the moist cold air cooled by the frost adhering to the second cooler 83 is supplied from the first cold air outlet 52aa to the first switching chamber 17D in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. .. As a result, the first switching chamber 17D is cooled and the air in the first switching chamber 17D flows. Further, the humidity in the first switching chamber 17D can be appropriately increased. The control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 and drive the second blower 84 at an arbitrary timing between the time t1 and the time t2, not limited to the time t1.

Here, in one example, the control amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 between the time t1 and the time t2 is set, for example, smaller than that of other timings (for example, between the time t3 and the time t4). NS. As a result, it is possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D from becoming too cold due to the cold second cooler 83 immediately after the compressor 75 is stopped. The controlled amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 between the time t1 and the time t2 may be the same as that of other timings (for example, between the time t3 and the time t4).

At time t2, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. In this case, the control unit 100a increases the control amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 while the compressor 75 is stopped, for example. As a result, cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is promoted in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. The control unit 100a may increase the opening amount of the first damper 71 instead of / in addition to increasing the controlled amount (for example, the number of rotations) of the second blower 84 at time t2.

At time t3, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit value H2 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode. Therefore, at time t3, the control unit 100a closes the first damper 71, opens the second damper 72, and drives the compressor 75 and the second blower 84. As a result, the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 from the second cold air outlet 52ab to the inside of the second switching chamber 17E. Inflow. As a result, the second switching chamber 17E is cooled.

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit value L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D becomes unnecessary. On the other hand, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven.

At time t5, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit value L2 of the set temperature zone of the freezing operation mode. At time t5, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 at time t5. Further, the control unit 100a closes the second damper 72. From time t6 to time t9 thereafter, the same processing as time t2 to time t5 is performed.

In the second embodiment described above, the control unit 100a relates to the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. Before the second predetermined condition (for example, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode) is satisfied, the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven. .. As a result, the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D can be started by utilizing the frost adhering to the second cooler 83 at an earlier timing. The second predetermined condition may be that at least one of the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D reaches a preset standard.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount of the second blower 84 are set while maintaining the state in which the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. Increase at least one of them. According to such a configuration, it is possible to suppress excessive cooling of the first switching chamber 17D and to prevent dry air from flowing into the first switching chamber 17D. As a result, the freshness of the ingredients in the first switching chamber 17D can be further improved. Further, energy saving can be further achieved by reducing the control amount of the second blower 84 or the like in the time zone when the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not essential. In the present specification, "increasing the control amount" includes the case where the control amount is increased from the state of being stopped (control amount is zero).

(Third Embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control of the defrost heater 122 is added. The configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, the cooler temperature sensor 121 and the defrost heater 122 are electrically connected to the control unit 100a. The cooler temperature sensor 121 is provided in the second cooler 83 and detects the temperature of the second cooler 83. The defrost heater 122 is attached to the second cooler 83 or is provided in the vicinity of the second cooler 83 to heat the second cooler 83 at the time of defrosting.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of the special cooling control according to the third embodiment. In the present embodiment, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and performs the first control for driving the second blower 84. In the present embodiment, the defrost heater 122 is not energized in the first control. Then, after the first control (for example, time t2'), the control unit 100a performs the second control of energizing the defrost heater 122 while opening the first damper 71 and driving the second blower 84. According to such a configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be efficiently cooled by utilizing the cold second cooler 83 before the defrost heater 122 is energized. In the first control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated by the first energization amount, and in the second control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated by the second energization amount larger than the first energization amount.

In the present embodiment, in the control unit 100a, for example, at time t2'(or time t2), the temperature of the second cooler 83 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 121 is the set temperature zone of the set temperature zone of the refrigerating operation mode). If it is higher than the lower limit value L1 of, the defrost heater 122 is not heated. With such a configuration, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D from rising excessively. This control is also applicable to the example shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of the time chart of the special cooling control of the third embodiment. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the first damper 71 is opened from the time t1 as in the second embodiment. With respect to the example shown in FIG. 11, the configuration other than that described below is the same as that of the second embodiment.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 to drive the second blower 84 before the second predetermined condition is satisfied. conduct. In this example, in the first control, the defrost heater 122 is not energized. Then, after the first control (for example, time t1'), the control unit 100a performs the second control of energizing the defrost heater 122 while opening the first damper 71 and driving the second blower 84. According to such a configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be efficiently cooled by utilizing the cold second cooler 83 before the defrost heater 122 is energized. In the first control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated by the first energization amount, and in the second control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated by the second energization amount larger than the first energization amount. Further, the timing for switching from the first control to the second control is not limited to the time t1', but may be a time between the time t2 and the time t3.

Hereinafter, some modifications will be described with respect to the first to third embodiments.
(First modification)
First, a first modification will be described. In the first modification, the first switching chamber 17D can be switched between at least a "medium refrigerating setting" (so-called refrigerating chamber) and a "weak refrigerating setting" (so-called vegetable chamber). The "medium refrigeration setting" is an example of the "first refrigeration temperature zone". The "weak refrigeration setting" is an example of the "second refrigeration temperature zone", and is a temperature zone higher than the first refrigeration temperature zone.

In the first modification, when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting", the control unit 100a controls the first switching chamber 17D by the special cooling control of any one of the first to third embodiments. To cool. On the other hand, when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"), the control unit 100a cools the first switching chamber 17D by the normal cooling control of the first embodiment. do.

In other words, the control unit 100a has the first damper 71 over the first hour with the first opening amount when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weakly refrigerated setting". open. On the other hand, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"). do not have. According to such a configuration, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating chamber, cooling is usually performed by cooling control, and the first switching chamber 17D is used as a vegetable chamber, and more moist cold air is required. In that case, cooling can be performed by special cooling control.

The control unit 100a does not open the first damper 71 when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"). Instead, at least one of opening the first damper 71 with a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount and opening the first damper 71 over a second time shorter than the first time. One may be done.

(Second modification)
In the second modification, the first switching chamber 17D can be switched between at least a "medium refrigerating setting" (so-called refrigerating chamber) and a "weak refrigerating setting" (so-called vegetable chamber). When the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weakly refrigerated setting", the control unit 100a cools the first switching chamber 17D by the special cooling control of the second embodiment. On the other hand, when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigerating setting" (or "strong refrigerating setting"), the control unit 100a has the first switching chamber in the normal cooling control of the first or third embodiment. Cool 17D.

In other words, in the control unit 100a, the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the first switching chamber 17D is in a state where the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"). The first damper 71 is opened when the second predetermined condition regarding at least one of the temperature and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is satisfied. On the other hand, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weakly refrigerated setting", the control unit 100a does not wait for the second predetermined condition to be satisfied. 1 Open the damper 71.

Here, when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weak refrigerating setting", the upper limit of the set temperature zone is high, so that the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigerating setting" as compared with the case where the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigerating setting". The frequency with which the second predetermined condition is satisfied decreases. Therefore, in the second modification, when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weakly refrigerated setting", the first damper 71 is opened regardless of whether or not the second predetermined condition is satisfied. As a result, more appropriate cooling control may be possible.

Although some embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the second cooler 83 may be arranged at a position that does not overlap with both the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Further, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D used by the control unit 100a is not limited to the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114, and is estimated based on the detection result of a sensor provided at another location. The temperature of the first switching chamber 17D may be used. This also applies to the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E.

According to at least one embodiment described above, the refrigerator has a control unit that opens a first damper when the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the first switching chamber is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber. Therefore, more appropriate cooling control can be performed.

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

1 ... Refrigerator, 10 ... Housing, 60 ... Cooling unit, 17A ... Refrigerator room, 17B ... Ice making room, 17C ... Small freezer room, 17D ... 1st switching room, 17E ... 2nd switching room, 18A ... 1st cooling room , 18B ... 2nd cooling chamber, 71 ... 1st damper, 72 ... 2nd damper, 81 ... 1st cooler, 82 ... 1st blower, 83 ... 2nd cooler, 84 ... 2nd blower, 100a ... Control unit , 122 ... Defrost heater.

Claims (18)

With a cooler
A first switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone room and a freezing temperature zone room, a second switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigerating temperature zone room and a freezing temperature zone room, and the cooler are accommodated. The housing including the cooling chamber and
A first damper that controls the supply of cold air from the cooling chamber to the first switching chamber, and
A second damper that controls the supply of cold air from the cooling chamber to the second switching chamber, and
A control unit that opens the first damper when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber.
Refrigerator equipped with. Further equipped with a blower provided in the cooling chamber,
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit opens the first damper and drives the blower.
The refrigerator according to claim 1. The first predetermined condition includes the fact that the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2. The first predetermined condition lowers the temperature of the second switching chamber in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber. Including cooling is stopped,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The first predetermined condition is that the temperature of the second switching chamber and the first predetermined condition are such that the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. 2 Includes at least one of the difference from the target cooling temperature of the switching chamber being equal to or less than the first threshold value and the remaining cooling time of the second switching chamber being equal to or less than the second threshold value.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4. When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit is in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber. Close the second damper and open the first damper,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 5. The cooler has a first portion that overlaps with the first switching chamber and a second portion that overlaps with the second switching chamber when the refrigerator is viewed from the front.
The control unit is used to lower the temperature of the second switching chamber in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. When the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, the first damper is closed, or the opening amount of the first damper is reduced as compared with the case where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 6. When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit is in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber. Open the second damper,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 7. Further equipped with a blower provided in the cooling chamber,
The control unit satisfies the first predetermined condition in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, and the temperature of the first switching chamber and the previous time of the first switching chamber. When the second predetermined condition relating to at least one of the elapsed time from the end of cooling is satisfied, the first damper is opened and the blower is driven in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 8. Further equipped with a blower provided in the cooling chamber,
The control unit is in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber.
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the first predetermined condition is satisfied before the second predetermined condition regarding at least one of the temperature of the first switching chamber and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber is satisfied. Open the first damper, drive the blower,
When the second predetermined condition is satisfied, at least one of the opening amount of the first damper and the controlled amount of the blower is increased in a state where the liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 8. After the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit satisfies the third predetermined condition regarding at least one of the temperature of the second switching chamber and the elapsed time from the end of the previous cooling of the second switching chamber. If this is the case, even if the temperature of the first switching chamber does not reach the target cooling temperature of the first switching chamber, the first damper is closed or the opening amount of the first damper is reduced. The second damper is opened to supply the liquid refrigerant to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to claim 9 or 10. Further equipped with a blower provided in the cooling chamber,
The control unit
When the first switching chamber is used as the freezing temperature zone chamber, the blower is driven by the first control amount.
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the blower is driven by a second control amount equal to or more than the first control amount.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11. When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the first damper is opened, the control unit controls the opening amount of the first damper to an opening amount between fully open and fully closed.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The blower provided in the cooling chamber and
Further equipped with a defrosting heater that heats the cooler at the time of defrosting,
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit opens the first damper to perform the first control for driving the blower, and after the first control, energizes the defrost heater or the defrost heater. The second control is performed to increase the energization amount of the defrost heater as compared with the first control.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 13. The set temperature zone of the first switching chamber can be switched between at least a first refrigerating temperature zone and a second refrigerating temperature zone having a temperature higher than that of the first refrigerating temperature zone.
The control unit
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the set temperature zone of the first switching chamber is set to the second refrigerating temperature zone, the first damper is opened for the first hour with the first opening amount. ,
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the set temperature zone of the first switching chamber is set to the first refrigerating temperature zone, the first damper is not opened or the opening amount is larger than the first opening amount. At least one of opening the first damper with a small second opening amount and opening the first damper for a second time shorter than the first time is performed.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 14. The set temperature zone of the first switching chamber can be switched between at least a first refrigerating temperature zone and a second refrigerating temperature zone having a temperature higher than that of the first refrigerating temperature zone.
The control unit
In a state where the set temperature zone of the first switching chamber is set to the first refrigerating temperature zone, the first predetermined condition is satisfied, and the temperature of the first switching chamber and the previous time of the first switching chamber When the second predetermined condition regarding at least one of the elapsed time from the end of cooling is satisfied, the first damper is opened.
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the set temperature zone of the first switching chamber is set to the second refrigerating temperature zone, the first predetermined condition is not satisfied without waiting for the second predetermined condition to be satisfied. 1 Open the damper,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 15. When the refrigerator is viewed from the front, the cooler has a first portion that overlaps with the first switching chamber and a second portion that overlaps with the second switching chamber and is smaller than the first portion. There is no part that overlaps with the second switching room,
The control unit
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the second switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the second damper is opened for the first hour with the first opening amount.
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching chamber is used as the refrigerating temperature zone chamber, the first damper is opened with a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount. At least one of opening the first damper for a second time shorter than the first time.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 16. Further equipped with a blower provided in the cooling chamber,
The cooler includes a portion that overlaps with the first switching chamber when the refrigerator is viewed from the front.
When the first damper is opened, the control unit is compared with a case where the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler with the first damper closed and the first switching chamber is cooled by the cooling heat of the cooler. Therefore, at least one of the first damper and the blower is controlled so that the cooling rate of the first switching chamber is increased.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

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