JP7190160B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator in which an evaporator is provided in contact with an inner box, and a gas flow path is formed by an inner surface of the inner box in contact with the evaporator and a partition plate facing each other.

There is a refrigerator that keeps a room with a large capacity, such as a wine cellar, at a constant temperature. Since such a refrigerator cools a large number of objects, it has been developed to increase cooling efficiency and reduce power consumption.

Therefore, a refrigerator has been devised in which an evaporator for cooling is provided in contact with the inner box, and a gas passage (air passage) is defined by a partition plate. The gas is forced into convection by a fan and cooled by an evaporator as it passes through the flow path.

In Patent Document 1, in order to increase the area in which the gas contacts with the cooling surface required for heat exchange, a partition plate with high thermal conductivity that defines the air passage is provided opposite to the inner wall in contact with the evaporator, A refrigerator is described in which the gas is cooled by a diaphragm and an evaporator while passing through the flow path.

JP-A-2001-82846

However, in the refrigerator of Patent Document 1, since the partition plate is provided in a straight line parallel to the flow of gas from top to bottom, the air from the fan flows in a straight line, and the gas flows into the evaporator and the partition. The cooling time on the plate was short. Therefore, the gas could not be sufficiently cooled.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a refrigerator that extends the cooling time of the gas and increases the amount of heat exchange by increasing the length of the gas passage in contact with the evaporator and disturbing the flow. Another object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that increases cooling efficiency and reduces power consumption.

The refrigerator of the present invention is
an inner box with an interior serving as a storage room;
an evaporator pipe in contact with the outer surface of the inner box;
a partition plate disposed along the inner surface of the region of the inner box in contact with the evaporator pipe inside the storage chamber;
a fan for sending gas to a flow path formed between the inner surface and the partition plate;
The flow path is characterized in that it is formed so that the gas flows meanderingly.

In the refrigerator of the present invention, the flow path of the gas is formed so that the gas flows in a meandering manner, thereby increasing the length of the flow path and disturbing the flow of the gas. The refrigerator of the present invention can extend the cooling time and increase the amount of heat exchange by increasing the length of the gas passage and disturbing the flow. In addition, the refrigerator of the present invention can cool the refrigerator efficiently and reduce power consumption by increasing the amount of heat exchange.

In addition, the present invention
A rib is provided on the flow path surface of the partition plate facing the inner surface of the inner box,
having outer walls on both left and right ends of the partition plate,
one end of the rib is connected to one of the outer walls of the partition plate;
The other end of the rib terminates before connecting to the other outer wall of the partition plate,
The height of the other end of the rib is arranged lower than the height of one end of the rib,
The gas is characterized in that it flows from bottom to top.

Advantageous Effects of Invention In the refrigerator of the present invention, the partition plate can be made to meander widely in plan view facing the inner box, and the channel length can be greatly increased. Frost or dew may occur on the ribs from the gas cooled by the evaporator, but in the refrigerator of the present invention, the ribs are slanted to promote the fall of water droplets using the slanted ribs during defrosting. be able to.

In addition, the present invention
the ribs include a first rib extending from the one outer wall of the partition plate and a second rib extending from the other outer wall of the partition plate;
The first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately in the vertical direction,
The end portion of the first rib is arranged closer to the one outer wall than the end portion of the second rib.

In the refrigerator of the present invention, the ribs do not overlap in the vertical direction, so that the air from the fan is not obstructed more than necessary by the ribs. ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION The refrigerator of this invention can prevent gas pressure loss and can flow gas efficiently.

In addition, the present invention
In the direction in which the storage chamber and the partition plate face each other, the distance between the tip of the rib and the inner surface is 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm.

In the refrigerator of the present invention, even if there is some variation in dimensions, the inner box is not damaged by the ribs coming into contact with the inner box when the partition plates are assembled to the inner box. Also, the refrigerator of the present invention can impede the flow of gas because the gap is quickly filled with frost during cooling.

In addition, the present invention
In a plan view of the flow channel surface of the partition plate,
The fan is provided in the center below the partition plate,
Above the fan, a horizontal canopy is provided that is not connected to the one and the other outer walls of the partition plate,
The rib is arranged above the eaves.

In the refrigerator of the present invention, the gas emitted from the lower fan meanders upward. Water droplets generated on the ribs fall toward the eaves, but the eaves prevent the fans from being splashed with water, so the refrigerator of the present invention can protect the fans from the water droplets.

1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerator in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir in one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the outer surface of the inner box of the refrigerator showing an arrangement example of evaporator pipes; FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of ribs in one embodiment of the present invention; It is a figure which shows the specific example of the partition plate of this invention. FIG. 2 is an image diagram of a gas flow path in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a layout diagram of ribs of a comparative example viewed from the front of the partition plate;

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, description of corresponding members having the same function may be omitted.

(Regarding the overall structure of the refrigerator)
FIG. 1 is a general view of a refrigerator in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a reservoir in one embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an outer surface of an inner box of a refrigerator showing an example of arrangement of evaporator pipes. The overall structure of the refrigerator of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, a refrigerator 101 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a storage compartment 103 in which food and the like can be stored. The storage compartment 103 is equipped with a rotary heat insulating door 105 that opens and closes the opening in front of it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the storage compartment 201 is defined by an inner box 203, except for an insulated door. The outer surface of the inner box 203 corresponding to the back surface of the storage chamber 201 is in contact with the evaporator pipe 205 for cooling.

An example of the arrangement of the evaporator pipes will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, an inner box 301 is provided that defines a storage compartment. The evaporator pipe 303 is provided in contact with the outer surface of the inner box 301 .

The evaporator pipes 303 are fitted back and forth with a thermally conductive plate 305 to increase the contact area. The liquid refrigerant, which has been brought to room temperature and high pressure by the condenser, is passed through a capillary tube 307 (capillary tube) having a small diameter, and the pressure is lowered so that it can easily evaporate when entering the evaporator.

The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid refrigerant sent to the evaporator pipe (evaporator) cools the inner box and the gas in contact with the inner box and evaporates. By doing so, the refrigerator of one example of the present invention can cool the inner box and circulate the refrigerant.

Returning to FIG. 2, the partition plate 207 is arranged inside the storage chamber 201 along the inner surface of the region in contact with the evaporator pipe 205 . A gas flow path 209 is formed between the inner surface of the inner box 203 and the partition plate 207 facing it.

A fan 211 is attached to the partition plate 207 and causes a gas flow in the channel 209 . The gas taken in by the fan 211 from below the partition plate is cooled on the inner surface of the inner box 203 in contact with the evaporator pipe 205 when passing through the flow path 209, and is sent out from above the partition plate.

The channel 209 meanders so that the gas channel length increases and the gas flow is disturbed. In the refrigerator of this embodiment, by increasing the channel length and disturbing the gas flow, it is possible to extend the cooling time of the gas and increase the amount of heat exchange. Moreover, the refrigerator of this embodiment can cool gas efficiently and reduce the power consumption of the refrigerator by increasing the amount of heat exchange.

The drain port 213 is located below the flow path 209 between the partition plate 207 and the inner box 203, and allows drainage during defrosting to flow.

Although the fan 211 is located below the refrigerator in this embodiment, the fan may be located above the refrigerator. If the fan is above the refrigerator, a natural flow will occur as the warmed air can flow downwards as it cools.

(Composition of ribs)
FIG. 4 is a layout of ribs in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a specific example of the partition plate of the present invention. The configuration of the ribs for forming the gas flow path of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the channel surface of the partition plate 401 facing the inner surface of the inner box is provided including ribs 403 and 407 . The partition plate has outer walls 405 and 409 on both left and right ends, and the gas emitted from the fan 411 flows between the channel surface of the partition plate 401 facing the inner surface of the inner box and the inner surface of the inner box.

The rib 403 connects at one end to one outer wall 405 of the divider and terminates before connecting at the other end to the other outer wall 409 of the divider, the height of the other end being less than the height of the first end. there is

In addition, the rib 407 has one end connected to the other outer wall 409 of the partition plate and the other end terminating before connecting to the other outer wall 405 of the other partition plate, and the height of the other end is lower than the height of the one end. It's becoming

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the ribs 503 are formed vertically on the partition plate 501 integrally with the outer wall 505 . Also, the rib 507 is similarly formed integrally with the outer wall 509 .

Returning to FIG. 4, the ribs 403 connected to the outer wall 405 and the ribs 407 connected to the outer wall 409 are alternately arranged in the vertical direction. This arrangement of the ribs 403 and 407 allows the gas to flow avoiding the ribs 403 and 407, and the gas to meander parallel to the partition plate.

Frost or dew may form on the ribs from the cooled gas in the evaporator pipes. As shown in FIG. 4, the ribs 403 and 407 are tilted so that the height of the other end is lower than the height of the one end. can promote falling.

The ribs 403, 407 are inclined downward from the outer walls 405, 409 at an angle of 5° or more to the horizontal. The smaller the slope, the less effective it is to drop water droplets.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 5, ribs 503, 507 are slanted downwardly from outer walls 505, 509 at 10° to the horizontal. As the inclination of the ribs increases, the effect of meandering the air passage is lost.

Consider the placement of the ribs with reference to FIG. The terminal end of rib 403 is located closer to one outer wall 405 than the terminal end of rib 407 . Similarly, the terminal end of rib 407 is located closer to the other outer wall 409 than the terminal end of rib 403 .

That is, the ribs 403 and 407 are arranged so as not to overlap each other in the vertical direction. By doing so, the refrigerator of the present embodiment can prevent the wind from the fan from being obstructed more than necessary by the ribs. Therefore, the refrigerator of this embodiment can prevent the pressure loss of the wind from the fan and efficiently flow the gas.

Further, the distance a between the rib 403 and the rib 407, the distance b between the rib 407 and the outer wall 405, and the distance c between the rib 403 and the outer wall 409 are set so as not to be less than 50% of the maximum width of the channel. The maximum width of the flow path is the width having the maximum flow area formed by the outer walls of the fan and the partition plate. is the distance d to

In the refrigerator of this embodiment, ribs may be formed at the ends (portions E) of the flow paths, but the ribs in such portions do not correspond to the setting of not less than 50%.

The minimum rib-to-rib distance and rib-to-outer wall distance (here: distances a, b, c) should not be less than 80% of the maximum rib-to-rib distance and rib-to-outer wall distance. set. However, if a rib is formed at the end of the flow path (portion E), the rib at this portion does not correspond to this setting.

The height of the ribs 403, 407 is 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm between the tips of the ribs 403, 407 and the inner surface of the inner box in the direction in which the storage chamber and the partition plate face each other (here, the front-rear direction of the storage chamber). .0 mm spacing.

In the refrigerator of this embodiment, since there is a gap between the tip of the rib and the inner box, when the partition plate is assembled to the inner box, the tip of the rib can be prevented from accidentally contacting and damaging the inner box. prevent.

The gap between the ribs and the inner box can quickly become filled with frost during cooling, resulting in impeding gas flow. In the refrigerator of this embodiment, even if there is a gap of 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm between the inner box and the rib, the heat exchange performance is impaired because the gas flow in the direction perpendicular to the partition plate is disturbed. can't

Referring to FIG. 5, a specific example of the partition plate has a sponge attached to the outer perimeter of the sides including the outer walls 505, 509 and the bottom thereof so as to fill the space between the outer walls and the inner box (not shown). . The lateral air passages are defined by this sponge.

Further, in a specific example of the partition plate of the present invention, a sponge is provided so as to fill the space between the outer wall and the inner box, so that when the partition plate is assembled into the inner box, the ribs will hit the inner box and damage the inner box. prevent.

As shown in FIG. 4, the fan 411 is provided below the partition plate. A drain port 419 is provided in the slope below the side of the fan 411 to allow drainage during defrosting. A horizontal canopy 413 that does not connect to the outer walls of one and the other of the partitions is provided above the fan 411 .

The ribs 403 and 407 are arranged above the eaves 413, and since the ribs 403 and 407 are inclined toward the eaves 413 and alternately arranged, the eaves 413 prevent water droplets dripping from the ribs 403 and 407 from entering the fan. can be

Referring to the specific example of FIG. 5, the fan is installed in the space 511 below the partition plate. A canopy 513 is provided on the top of the fan. The eaves protrude slightly higher than the ribs. The eaves are provided horizontally, but they may be structured so that they are slanted downward to allow water to drop.

Further, in the specific example of FIG. 5, wiring 515 for supplying electricity for operating the fan or the like is laid on various parts of the partition plate 501 . The wiring 515 is provided so as to pass through each protrusion provided on the partition plate including ribs. In addition, the connecting portion and wiring are protected from water by vinyl or the like.

(Details of flow path)
FIG. 6 is an image diagram of a channel in one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an image of the flow path of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the fan 611 is provided at the center below the partition plate 601 in plan view of the flow path surface of the partition plate. The fan causes a flow in the flow path from the center downward to the upward direction. Here, the fan 611 is rotating counterclockwise.

A rib 607 protruding from the left outer wall 609 in plan view, which is closest to the fan, is provided at an angle below the center of the partition plate 601 . That is, the ribs 607 are slanted toward the direction of flow caused by the fan 611 .

Thus, the refrigerator of this embodiment can efficiently convect the gas by arranging the ribs that are inclined from the outer wall toward the rotation direction of the fan closest to the fan. In the refrigerator of the present invention, if the fan were to rotate clockwise, the rib closest to the fan would start from the right outer wall and terminate near the center.

Gas 615 from fan 611 avoids eaves 613 and goes to ribs 607 . The gas 615 that has been disturbed by hitting the rib 607 moves upward to the right to avoid the rib 607 and then moves to the upper left to avoid the rib 603 .

Similarly, the gas 617 emitted from the fan 611 avoids the eaves 613 and moves upward and to the right to avoid the ribs 607 and toward the ribs 603 . The gas 617 disturbed by hitting the rib 603 moves upward and to the left so as to avoid the rib 603 .

In this way, both the gas flows 615 and 617 emitted from the fan are meandering upward, so that the flow path is meandering. In the refrigerator of the present embodiment, the meandering flow path increases the length of the flow path, disturbs the flow, increases the amount of heat exchanged, and extends the cooling time. Moreover, the refrigerator of this embodiment can cool gas efficiently and reduce power consumption by extending the cooling time.

In addition, although the channel has been shown to meander largely in the parallel direction in plan view of the channel of the partition plate, it may be combined with meandering in the vertical direction.

(Arrangement of ribs in comparative example)
FIG. 7 shows a layout of ribs of a comparative example viewed from the front of the partition plate. Referring to FIG. 7, an arrangement diagram of ribs of a comparative example that meanders the air path and disturbs the flow will be described. In FIG. 7A, a plurality of large cylindrical ribs 701 are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the flow of air, and a plurality of ribs 701 are arranged in the direction parallel to the flow of air so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of ribs. Here is an example of arranging columnar ribs in a line and repeating it.

In the comparative example shown in FIG. 7(a), the wind path can meander by allowing air to flow through the gaps between the cylindrical ribs. However, in this comparative example, the cylindrical portion does not contribute to heat exchange, resulting in poor heat exchange efficiency. Moreover, in this comparative example, it is difficult to make the flow uniform as a whole, and the flow tends to be biased to either the left or the right. Furthermore, this comparative example may change flow when frost forms.

FIG. 7B shows an example of installing pin-shaped ribs. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 7B, the air path can be made to meander finely by allowing the air to flow between the plurality of pins 703 . However, in this comparative example as well, it is difficult to make the flow uniform as a whole, and the flow tends to be biased to either the left or the right. Also, in this comparative example, the flow may change due to frost formation. Furthermore, in this comparative example, when the pin becomes thin, it becomes easy to break, and the effect of meandering the flow is lost.

In FIG. 7(c), a plurality of horizontally extending short ribs 705 are arranged in the vertical direction of the airflow, and the ribs are arranged in parallel with the airflow so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of ribs in the vertical direction of the airflow. Here is an example of arranging multiple short ribs and repeating them.

In the comparative example shown in FIG. 7(c), the air path can meander by blowing the wind through the roof-like ribs. However, in this comparative example, it is difficult to make the flow uniform as a whole, and the flow tends to be biased to the left or right. In addition, in this comparative example, stagnation that does not contribute to heat exchange is formed in the portion indicated by A. Furthermore, this comparative example may change flow when frost forms.

In FIG. 7D, a plurality of short ribs 707 sharpened in the direction of wind flow are arranged in the vertical direction of the wind flow like a roof, and the ribs are arranged parallel to the wind flow so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of ribs. Here is an example of arranging multiple short ribs in a row in the vertical direction of the wind flow and repeating it.

In the comparative example shown in FIG. 7(d), the air path can meander by blowing air through ribs like a roof. However, in this comparative example, it is difficult to make the flow uniform as a whole, and the flow tends to be biased to the left or right. In addition, in this comparative example, stagnation that does not contribute to heat exchange is formed in the portion indicated by B. Furthermore, this comparative example may change flow when frost forms.

In FIG. 7(e), a plurality of short ribs 709 pointed in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the wind are arranged in the vertical direction of the wind flow, and the above-mentioned wind direction is parallel to the wind flow so as to fill the gaps between the plurality of ribs. Here is an example of arranging multiple short ribs in the vertical direction of the flow and repeating it.

In FIG. 7(e), the air path can meander by blowing air through the ribs. However, in this comparative example, it is difficult to make the flow uniform as a whole, and the flow tends to be biased to the left or right. Also, in this comparative example, the flow may change when frost forms. Furthermore, in this comparative example, water accumulates in the portion indicated by C during defrosting.

In this manner, the meandering air passage can also be made in the comparative examples of FIGS. is. Therefore, the present invention is not short ribs as shown in FIGS. 7(a)-(e).

Compared to the comparative examples shown in FIGS. 7A to 7E, the ribs that meander the air passage of the present invention (1) can maximize the length of the passage, and (2) can form the intended cool air flow. (3) It is difficult to form a portion that does not contribute to heat exchange. (4) Workability during mass production is not impaired. , is rather strengthened, and (6) the cost remains the same.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention is particularly effective for a refrigerator that uniformly cools a large amount of items, such as a wine cellar, in one room.

101 Refrigerator 103 Storage room 105 Thermal insulation door 201 Storage room 203 Inner box 205 Evaporator pipe 207 Partition plate 209 Flow path 211 Fan 213 Drain port 301 Inner box 303 Evaporator pipe 305 Thermally conductive plate 307 Capler tube 401 Partition plate 403 Rib 405 Outer wall 407 Rib 409 Outer wall 411 Fan 413 Overhead 419 Drain port 501 Partition plate 503 Rib 505 Outer wall 507 Rib 509 Outer wall 511 Space 513 Overhead 515 Wiring 601 Partition plate 603 Rib 605 Outer wall 607 Rib 609 Outer wall 611 Fan 613 Eaves 615 Gas flow 617 Gas flow 619 Drain port 701 Cylindrical rib 703 Pin 705 Horizontally extending short rib 707 Short rib pointed in the direction of wind travel 709 Short rib pointed in the direction opposite to the direction of wind travel

Claims (4)

an inner box with an interior serving as a storage room;
an evaporator pipe in contact with the outer surface of the inner box;
a partition plate disposed along the inner surface of the region of the inner box in contact with the evaporator pipe inside the storage chamber;
a fan for sending gas to a flow path formed between the inner surface and the partition plate;
The flow path is formed so that the gas flows meanderingly ,
A rib is provided on the flow path surface of the partition plate facing the inner surface of the inner box,
having outer walls on both left and right ends of the partition plate,
one end of the rib is connected to one of the outer walls of the partition plate;
The other end of the rib terminates before connecting to the other outer wall of the partition plate,
The height of the other end of the rib is arranged lower than the height of one end of the rib,
A refrigerator in which the gas flows from bottom to top . the ribs include a first rib extending from the one outer wall of the partition plate and a second rib extending from the other outer wall of the partition plate;
The first ribs and the second ribs are arranged alternately in the vertical direction,
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the terminal end of said first rib is located closer to said one outer wall than the terminal end of said second rib. 3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein a distance between the tip of said rib and said inner surface is 4.0 mm to 6.0 mm in the direction in which said storage compartment and said partition plate face each other. In a plan view of the flow channel surface of the partition plate,
The fan is provided in the center below the partition plate,
Above the fan, a horizontal canopy is provided that is not connected to the one and the other outer walls of the partition plate,
4. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein said ribs are arranged above said eaves.

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