JP7290610B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to refrigerators.

Patent Literature 1 discloses a circular damper arranged in a circular duct.

Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 4-36546 (paragraph 0018, FIG. 1)

In the technical field of refrigerators, it is desired that the cross-sectional shape of the duct is non-circular, such as rectangular, from the viewpoint of securing the storage chamber volume. Under such preconditions, it is desirable to achieve both the airtightness of the duct and the reduction of airflow resistance.

The present invention, which has been made in view of the above circumstances,
a substantially rectangular seal member having an edge including a substantially linear straight portion and a substantially arc-shaped corner portion when viewed from the front;
A refrigerator comprising a damper capable of moving the sealing material to contact and separate from an opening,
The refrigerator, wherein the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing material is 19% or more and 31% or less.

It is a front view showing a refrigerator concerning this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II of FIG. 1; It is a front view which shows the flow of the cool air inside the chamber|chamber interior back surface of the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the flow of the cool air in the chamber|chamber interior of the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a cross section taken along line VV shown in FIG. 4; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a cooling air passage structure; FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat insulating partition wall provided on the rear side of the switching chamber; It is an exploded perspective view when a heat insulation partition is seen from diagonally behind. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of a damper duct; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member; FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the inside of the front case to which the damper member is attached; FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear case of the damper duct member; 11 is an arrow view in the XIV direction of FIG. 10; FIG. It is a perspective view when a damper member is seen from the front side. It is a perspective view when a damper member is seen from the rear side. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a damper member; FIG. It is a side view of a damper member. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18; FIG. 4 is a front view of a heat insulating partition duct plate; 21 is a cross-sectional view along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20; FIG. 21. It is an enlarged view of the A part of FIG. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of a B portion of FIG. 21; It is a cross-sectional view of a first switching chamber damper fixing portion. It is a strain distribution of the sealing material when the first switching chamber first flapper abuts and seals the abutting portion. FIG. 4 is a vector diagram of the tensile direction of the corner portion of the sealing material; The position of the edge of the sealing material at the initial sealing position where the first switching chamber first flapper contacts the contact part and begins to seal, and the edge of the sealing material at the post-deformation sealing position where the sealing performance is improved by close contact. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a position; 4 shows four shapes of the first flapper of the first switching chamber, and is a diagram evaluating the adhesion of the sealing member 411b when the contact portion 312c is brought into contact with the contact portion 312c for sealing. 28 is a graph showing the sealing performance (x, .DELTA., .smallcircle., .circleincircle.) confirmed in FIG.

Hereinafter, a form (this embodiment) for carrying out the present invention will be described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the following content, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention. Further, the following description is based on the directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to this embodiment. In addition, although the refrigerator 1 with 6 doors is mentioned as an example and demonstrated below, it is not limited to 6 doors.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerator compartment 2, an ice making compartment 3, a freezer compartment 4, a first switchable compartment 5 (upper switchable compartment, storage compartment), and a second switchable compartment 6 (lower switchable compartment, storage compartment). It has a heat insulating box body 10 with. The first switchable compartment 5 can switch the temperature range from a refrigerating temperature range (eg, 1° C. to 6° C.) to a freezing temperature range (eg, about −20° C. to −18° C.). Similarly, the second switchable compartment 6 can switch the temperature range from the refrigerating temperature range to the freezing temperature range. The refrigerator compartment 2 is set to a refrigerating temperature range (eg, 6° C.), and the ice making compartment 3 and freezer compartment 4 are set to a freezing temperature range (eg, about −20° C.).

In addition, the refrigerator 1 has refrigerating chamber doors 2a and 2b for opening and closing the refrigerating chamber 2, an ice making chamber door 3a for opening and closing the ice making chamber 3, and a freezer chamber door 4a for opening and closing the freezer chamber 4. , a first switchable chamber door 5 a for opening and closing the first switchable chamber 5 , and a second switchable chamber door 6 a for opening and closing the second switchable chamber 6 . Refrigerating compartment doors 2a and 2b are configured to be double doors. The icemaker door 3a, the freezer compartment door 4a, the first switchable compartment door 5a, and the second switchable compartment door 6a are configured to be able to be drawn forward. Refrigerating compartment doors 2a and 2b, ice making compartment door 3a, freezing compartment door 4a, first switching compartment door 5a and second switching compartment door 6a are heat insulating doors. An operation unit 26 for setting the temperature inside the refrigerator is provided on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 2a.

The refrigerator compartment 2 is separated from the freezer compartment 4 and the ice making compartment 3 by a heat insulating partition wall 28 . The freezer compartment 4 and the ice making compartment 3 are separated from the first switchable compartment 5 by a heat insulating partition 29 , and the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 are separated by a heat insulating partition 30 .

Door hinges (not shown) for fixing the heat insulating box 10 and the doors 2a and 2b are provided on the front side of the outside of the top cabinet of the heat insulating box 10 and on the front edge of the heat insulating partition wall 28.例文帳に追加The upper door hinge is covered with a door hinge cover 16. - 特許庁

In the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 of the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, either the refrigerating temperature (maintained at about 4° C. on average) or the freezing temperature (maintained at about −18° C. on average) can be selected. Specifically, the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 are both set to the freezing temperature in the "FF" mode, and the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 are set to the refrigerating temperature and the freezing temperature, respectively. "RF" mode in which the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 are set to the freezing temperature and the refrigerating temperature respectively, and "FR" mode in which the first switchable compartment 5 and the second switchable compartment 6 are set to the refrigerating temperature. You can choose among the "RR" modes that are available.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 has a foam heat insulating material 93 (polyurethane foam in this embodiment) between an outer box 10a made of steel plate and an inner box 10b made of synthetic resin (ABS resin in this embodiment). The outside and inside of the storage are separated from each other by a heat insulating box body 10 formed by filling. In addition to the foamed heat insulating material in the heat insulating box 10, a plurality of vacuum heat insulating materials having a lower thermal conductivity (higher heat insulation performance) than the foamed heat insulating material are mounted between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b. It suppresses the reduction of the product and enhances the heat insulation performance. The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a vacuum heat insulating material 25a on the rear surface of the heat insulating box body 10, a vacuum heat insulating material 25b on the bottom surface (bottom surface), a vacuum heat insulating material on the left side surface, and a vacuum heat insulating material on the right side surface. The heat insulation performance of the refrigerator 1 is enhanced by suppressing the heat from entering from outside the refrigerator 1, which has a higher temperature. Similarly, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has a vacuum insulation material 25e mounted on the first switchable compartment door 5a and a vacuum insulation material 25f mounted on the second switchable compartment door 6a, thereby improving the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1.

Refrigerating compartment doors 2a, 2b are provided with a plurality of door pockets 33a, 33b, 33c inside the compartments. The interior of the refrigerator compartment 2 is partitioned into a plurality of storage spaces by shelves 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. The ice making compartment door 3a, the freezing compartment door 4a, the first switching compartment door 5a, and the second switching compartment door 6a are integrated with the ice making compartment container 3b, the freezing compartment container 4b, the first switching compartment container 5b, and the second switching compartment door 6a. A chamber container 6b is provided.

A first evaporator chamber 8a in which a first evaporator 14a is mounted is provided at the back of the refrigerating chamber 2. As shown in FIG. Approximately behind the first switchable chamber 5 and the second switchable chamber 6, a second evaporator chamber 8b (cooler chamber) in which a second evaporator 14b (cooler) is mounted is provided. A heat insulating partition wall 27 separates the first switchable chamber 5 and the second switchable chamber 6 from the second evaporator chamber 8b and the second fan discharge air passage 12, which will be described later.

The heat insulating partition wall 27 is separate from the heat insulating box body 10, the heat insulating partition wall 29 and the heat insulating partition wall 30. It is fixed so as to be in contact with the wall 29 and the heat insulating partition wall 30 and is detachable. Thus, by forming the heat insulating partition wall 27 separately and making it detachable, the second evaporator 14b accommodated in the second evaporator chamber 8b, the second fan 9b described later, the first switching chamber first When a malfunction occurs in parts covered by the heat insulating partition wall 27, such as the flapper 411, the first switching chamber second flapper 412, the second switching chamber first flapper 421, and the second switching chamber second flapper 422, the heat insulating partition wall 27 can be removed for easy maintenance.

Further, inside the heat insulating partition walls 27 and 28, polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene), which is a foamed heat insulating material, is mounted as a main heat insulating member without mounting a vacuum heat insulating material. On the other hand, vacuum heat insulating materials 25g and 25h are mounted inside the heat insulating partition walls 29 and 30 together with polystyrene foam, which is a foam heat insulating material, to improve the heat insulating performance. Since the vacuum heat insulating materials 25g and 25h have a lower thermal conductivity (higher heat insulating performance) than the foam heat insulating material, the main heat insulating members of the heat insulating partition walls 29 and 30 are vacuum heat insulating materials. Polyurethane foam or polyethylene foam may be used as the foamed heat insulating material used inside the heat insulating partition walls 27, 28, 29, and 30. FIG.

Refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 41 (see FIG. 4), freezer compartment temperature sensor 42 (see FIG. 4), First switching chamber temperature sensors 43a and 43b (see FIG. 4) and second switching chamber temperature sensors 44a and 44b (see FIG. 4) are provided. A first evaporator temperature sensor 40a is provided above the first evaporator 14a. A second evaporator temperature sensor 40b is provided above the second evaporator 14b. With these sensors, the refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 4, the first switching compartment 5, the second switching compartment 6, the first evaporator compartment 8a, the first evaporator 14a, the second evaporator compartment 8b, and the second evaporation The temperature of the container 14b is detected. An outside air temperature sensor 37 and an outside air humidity sensor 38 are provided inside the door hinge cover 16 on the ceiling of the refrigerator 1 to detect the temperature and humidity of the outside air (outside air). In addition, door sensors (not shown) are provided to detect the open/closed states of the doors 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a.

The second evaporator 14b is defrosted by energizing the defrosting heater 21, which is heating means provided at the bottom of the second evaporator 14b, while the compressor 24 is stopped. For the defrosting heater 21 (heater), for example, an electric heater of 50 W to 200 W may be adopted, and in this embodiment, a radiant heater of 150 W is used. Defrosted water generated during defrosting of the second evaporator 14b is discharged from the gutter 23b at the bottom of the second evaporator chamber 8b to the second evaporating plate 32 provided at the top of the compressor 24 via the second drain pipe 23c. It evaporates due to heat radiation from the compressor 24 and ventilation by a fan (not shown) provided in the machine room 39 .

Next, the configuration of air passages in the refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and appropriately FIG. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the back surface of the refrigerator. In addition, FIG. 3 is a front view of a state in which the door, the container, and the heat-insulating partition wall 27, which will be described later, of FIG. 1 are removed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first fan 9a is provided above the first evaporator 14a. The cooling air sent out by the first fan 9a is blown into the refrigerator compartment 2 through the refrigerator compartment air passage 110 and the refrigerator compartment outlet 110a, thereby cooling the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2. As shown in FIG. Here, the first fan 9a is composed of, for example, a centrifugal turbo fan (backward fan), and its rotational speed can be controlled between high speed (1600 min ⁻¹ ) and low speed (1000 min ⁻¹ ). The air blown into the refrigerator compartment 2 returns to the first evaporator compartment 8a through the refrigerator compartment return port 110b (see FIG. 2) and the refrigerator compartment return port 110c, and exchanges heat with the first evaporator 14a again.

Refrigerating chamber discharge port 110 a of refrigerating chamber 2 is provided in the upper portion of refrigerating chamber 2 . In this embodiment, the air is discharged above the uppermost shelf 34a and the second shelf 34b. The refrigerating compartment return port 110c is provided at the back of the space formed between the shelf 34c and the shelf 34d of the refrigerating compartment 2. As shown in FIG. The refrigerating compartment return port 110b (see FIG. 2) is provided substantially at the back of the space formed between the shelf 34d of the refrigerating compartment 2 and the heat insulating partition wall 28. As shown in FIG.

An ice making chamber discharge port 120 a is provided on the back surface of the ice making chamber 3 . The ice making chamber discharge port 120 a is provided in the upper portion of the ice making chamber 3 . A freezer compartment discharge port 120b is provided on the back surface of the freezer compartment 4 . The freezer compartment outlet 120 b is provided in the upper part of the freezer compartment 4 . Ice making compartment outlet 120 a and freezer compartment outlet 120 b communicate with freezer compartment air passage 130 . The cold air sent out from the second fan 9b passes through the freezer compartment air passage 130 as indicated by the dashed arrows, branches off, and is discharged from the ice making compartment outlet 120a and the freezer compartment outlet 120b as indicated by the solid arrows. be done.

Refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has first switchable compartment first flapper 411, first switchable compartment second flapper 412, second switchable compartment first flapper 411, first switchable compartment second flapper 412, and second switchable compartment first A flapper 421 and a second switching chamber second flapper 422 are provided. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412 are mounted on the back partition of the first switching chamber 5 . The second switching chamber first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber second flapper 422 are mounted substantially at the back of the second switching chamber 6 . Here, the opening area of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is formed larger than the opening area of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . The opening area of the second switching chamber first flapper 421 is formed larger than the opening area of the second switching chamber second flapper 422 .

The second evaporator 14 b is provided in the second evaporator chamber 8 b substantially behind the first switchable chamber 5 , the second switchable chamber 6 and the heat insulating partition wall 30 . A second fan 9b is provided above the second evaporator 14b. The second fan 9b is a centrifugal turbo fan (backward fan) whose rotational speed can be controlled between high speed (1800 min ⁻¹ ) and low speed (1200 min ⁻¹ ). The air that has cooled the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b (below the second evaporator 14b) from the freezing compartment return port 120c through the freezing compartment return air passage 120d, and then returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b. It exchanges heat with the evaporator 14b.

A first switching chamber return port 111 c is formed in the lower back surface of the first switching chamber 5 . After cooling the first switchable chamber 5, the cool air is discharged from the first switchable chamber return port 111c, and is sent to the second evaporator chamber 8b (below the second evaporator 14b) via the freezer compartment return air passage 120d. It returns and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again.

FIG. 4 is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the refrigerator. In addition, FIG. 4 is a front view of a state in which the door and the container in FIG. 1 are removed.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the heat insulating partition wall 27 is provided with first switching chamber first discharge ports 111 a and 111 a for discharging cool air into the first switching chamber 5 . The first switching chamber first discharge port 111a is elongated in the width direction (left-right direction), and is located on the left side of the center in the width direction (opposite to the first switching chamber return port 111c in the left-right direction). In addition, the first switching chamber first discharge port 111a is located above the center in the chamber height direction.

In addition, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a first switching chamber second discharge port 111b for discharging cold air into the first switching chamber 5 . The first switching chamber second discharge port 111 b is formed on the left side surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27 . As a result, cold air discharged from the first switching chamber second discharge port 111b is discharged toward the inner wall surface (left side surface) of the inner box 10b. In addition, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a first switching chamber communication passage 111 d that communicates the first switching chamber second discharge port 111 b and the first switching chamber second flapper 412 .

In addition, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is provided with second switching chamber first discharge ports 112a, 112a for discharging cool air into the second switching chamber 6. As shown in FIG. The second switching chamber first discharge port 112a is elongated in the width direction (horizontal section), and is located on the left side of the center in the width direction (on the side opposite to the second switching chamber return port 112c in the horizontal direction). . In addition, the second switching chamber first discharge port 112a is located above the center in the chamber height direction.

A second switchable chamber second discharge port 112b for discharging cool air into the second switchable chamber 6 is formed in the heat insulating partition wall 27 . The second switching chamber second discharge port 112 b is formed on the left side surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27 . Thereby, the cool air discharged from the second switching chamber second discharge port 112b is discharged toward the inner wall surface (left side surface) of the inner box 10b. Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a second switching chamber communication passage 112 d that allows the second switching chamber second discharge port 112 b and the second switching chamber second flapper 422 to communicate with each other.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of a cross section taken along line VV of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second switching chamber 6 has a second switching chamber return port 112c on the upper back surface. The air flowing in from the second switchable chamber return port 112c flows through the second switchable chamber return air passage 112e extending downward from the second switchable chamber return port 112c, and the height position is formed lower than the second switchable chamber return port 112c. It reaches the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f and flows into the second evaporator chamber 8b from below.

By providing the downwardly extending air passage (second switching chamber return air passage 112e) between the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f in this way, the second fan 9b can be When stopped, the low-temperature air in the second evaporator chamber 8b is less likely to flow back into the second switching chamber 6. - 特許庁This makes it possible to provide the refrigerator 1 in which a situation in which the second switchable compartment 6 is too cold does not easily occur, particularly when the second switchable compartment 6 is set to the refrigerating temperature. In addition, since it is sufficient if there is an air path extending downward between the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f, the air flowing in from the second switching chamber return port 112c is directed upward. It can also be configured such that after flowing toward it, it flows through an air path that extends downward. Since such a backflow suppression structure is intended to suppress overcooling of the storage compartment, it is not limited to the switching compartment, but the refrigerator compartment, chilled compartment, or weak freezer compartment (that is, storage with a lower limit of -10 ° C or -7 ° C) temperature chamber) and the evaporator chamber.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an air passage structure for cooling air.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the flapper 431 (freezer compartment damper) is controlled to be open, the air that has become low temperature by exchanging heat with the second evaporator 14b drives the second fan 9b. As a result, the water in the ice tray of the ice making chamber 3 is sent to the ice making chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 via the second fan discharge air passage 12, the freezer compartment air passage 130, the ice making chamber outlet 120a, and the freezer compartment outlet 120b. , the ice in the ice making compartment container 3b, the food stored in the freezer compartment container 4b in the freezer compartment 4, and the like are cooled. The air that has cooled the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b (see FIG. 2) from the freezing compartment return port 120c through the freezing compartment return air passage 120d, and then again with the second evaporator 14b. exchange heat.

When the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is controlled to be open, the air pressurized by the second fan 9b flows through the second fan discharge air passage 12, the first switching chamber air passage 140, the first switching chamber Into the first switchable chamber container 5b provided in the first switchable chamber 5 via the first flapper 411 and the first switchable chamber first outlets 111a, 111a provided in the outlet forming member 111 (see FIG. 4). It is sent directly to directly cool the food in the first switchable chamber container 5b. The air that has cooled the first switchable compartment 5 flows through the first switchable compartment return port 111c and the freezer compartment return air path 120d, returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. The direct cooling is a method of directly supplying cold air to the stored food to cool it.

When the first switching chamber second flapper 412 is controlled to be open, the air pressurized by the second fan 9b flows through the second fan discharge air passage 12, the first switching chamber air passage 140, the first switching chamber The second flapper 412 discharges from the first switchable chamber second outlet 111b provided in the outlet forming member 111 (see FIG. 4) toward the side wall of the first switchable chamber 5 and into the first switchable chamber container 5b. of foods indirectly cooled. The air that has cooled the first switchable compartment 5 flows through the first switchable compartment return port 111c and the freezer compartment return air path 120d, returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. Note that indirect cooling is a method of supplying cold air so as not to directly hit the stored food in order to prevent the food from drying out.

When the second switching chamber first flapper 421 is controlled to be open, the air pressurized by the second fan 9b flows through the second fan discharge air passage 12, the second switching chamber air passage 150, the second switching chamber Into the second switchable chamber container 6b provided in the second switchable chamber 6 via the first flapper 421 and the second switchable chamber first outlets 112a, 112a provided in the outlet forming member 112 (see FIG. 4). It is sent directly to cool the food in the second switchable chamber container 6b. The air that has cooled the second switchable chamber 6 flows through the second switchable chamber return port 112c and the second switchable chamber return air passage 120d, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and again heat-exchanges with the second evaporator 14b. .

When the first switchable chamber second flapper 422 is controlled to be open, the air pressurized by the second fan 9b flows through the second fan discharge air passage 12, the second switchable chamber air passage 150, and the second switchable chamber. The second flapper 422 discharges from the second switchable chamber second outlet 112b provided in the outlet forming member 112 (see FIG. 4) toward the side wall of the second switchable chamber 6 and into the second switchable chamber container 6b. of foods indirectly cooled. The air that has cooled the second switchable chamber 6 flows through the second switchable chamber return port 112c and the second switchable chamber return air passage 120d, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and again heat-exchanges with the second evaporator 14b. .

In addition, in this embodiment, the first switchable chamber air passage 140 and the second switchable chamber air passage 150 are configured by a damper duct member 300 which will be described later.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator according to this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment includes a compressor 24, an external heat radiator 50a as heat radiation means for heat radiation of refrigerant, a wall heat radiation pipe 50b (a region between the outer casing 10a and the inner casing 10b). (located on the inner surface of the outer box 10a), the front part of the heat insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30 (see FIG. 2) and the front edge of the heat insulating box body 10 (see FIG. 2). 50c (arranged on the inner surfaces of the heat-insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30), a first capillary tube 53a and a second capillary tube 53b, which are decompression means for decompressing the refrigerant, heat exchange between the refrigerant and the air in the chamber, It is equipped with a first evaporator 14a and a second evaporator 14b that absorb the heat of. The refrigerator 1 also includes a dryer 51 that removes moisture in the refrigerating cycle, gas-liquid separators 54a and 54b that suppress the flow of liquid refrigerant into the compressor 24, a refrigerant control valve 52 that controls the refrigerant flow path, a reverse A stop valve 56 and a refrigerant junction 55 connecting the refrigerant flows are provided. A refrigerating cycle is configured by connecting these with refrigerant pipes. The refrigerant is isobutane, a flammable refrigerant.

The refrigerant control valve 52 has outlets 52a and 52b. In addition, the refrigerant control valve 52 is in “state 1” in which the outflow port 52a is opened and the outflow port 52b is closed, in “state 2” in which the outflow port 52a is closed and the outflow port 52b is opened, and the outflow port 52a and the outflow port It is a valve that can be switched between four states: "state 3" in which both of the outlets 52b are closed, and "state 4" in which both the outlets 52a and 52b are open.

Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment will be described. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 24 flows through the outside radiator 50 a , the wall heat radiation pipe 50 b , the dew condensation prevention pipe 50 c , the dryer 51 in this order, and reaches the refrigerant control valve 52 . An outflow port 52a of the refrigerant control valve 52 is connected to the first capillary tube 53a through a refrigerant pipe. The outflow port 52b of the refrigerant control valve 52 is connected to the second capillary tube 53b via refrigerant piping.

When the refrigerator compartment 2 is cooled by the first evaporator 14a, the refrigerant control valve 52 is controlled to "state 1" in which the refrigerant flows to the outflow port 52a side. The refrigerant flowing out from the outflow port 52a is decompressed by the first capillary tube 53a, becomes low temperature and low pressure, enters the first evaporator 14a, exchanges heat with the air in the warehouse, and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 54a and the first capillary tube 53a. The refrigerant flows through the heat exchange portion 57 a that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the refrigerant junction portion 55 , and returns to the compressor 24 .

When the ice making chamber 3, the freezing chamber 4, the first switching chamber 5, and the second switching chamber 6 are cooled by the second evaporator 14b, the refrigerant control valve 52 is set to "state 2" in which the refrigerant flows to the outflow port 52b side. Control. The refrigerant flowing out from the outflow port 52b is decompressed by the second capillary tube 53b, becomes low temperature and low pressure, enters the second evaporator 14b, exchanges heat with the air in the warehouse, and then flows into the gas-liquid separator 54b and the second capillary tube 53b. , the check valve 56 , and the refrigerant junction 55 , and returns to the compressor 24 . The check valve 56 is arranged so as to block the flow from the refrigerant junction 55 toward the second evaporator 14b.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat insulating partition wall provided on the rear side of the switching chamber. Note that FIG. 8 also shows members including the second evaporator 14b, which is a cooler.
As shown in FIG. 8 , the heat insulating partition duct plate 400 is configured including the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 . The damper duct member 300 is attached to the rear surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27 .

The heat insulating partition wall 27 includes a front panel 210 , a rear panel 220 and a foam heat insulating material 230 . Moreover, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is arranged so as to straddle the rear of the first switchable chamber 5 (see FIG. 2) and the second switchable chamber 6 (see FIG. 2). The foamed heat insulating material 230 is made of polystyrene foam (expanded polystyrene) and can be foamed in advance. A vacuum heat insulating material may be provided instead of the foam heat insulating material 230 .

The front panel 210 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular plate portion 211 when viewed from the front. Further, the front panel 210 is formed with a rectangular opening 212 having a large opening area at the top. Further, in the front panel 210, an opening 213 (first switching chamber second outlet An outlet 111b) is formed. The opening 213 is formed on the side surface of a projecting portion 211 a that projects from the plate portion 211 .

Further, the front panel 210 is formed with a rectangular opening 214 having a large opening area at the lower portion of the plate portion 211 . Further, in the front panel 210, an opening 215 (second switching chamber second discharge An outlet 112b) is formed. The opening 215 is formed on the side surface of a protruding portion 211b protruding from the plate portion 211. As shown in FIG.

Further, the plate portion 211 is formed with grooves 216 above the lower openings 214 and 215 and below the upper openings 212 and 213 to which the heat insulating partition walls 30 (see FIG. 5) are fitted and attached. . The groove portion 216 is formed entirely from one end to the other end in the left-right direction of the plate portion 211 . In this manner, the heat-insulating partition wall 27 is arranged on the rear surface of the switchable chamber so as to straddle the vertically aligned first switchable chamber 5 and the second switchable chamber 6 .

A first switching chamber return port 111 c is formed above the groove portion 216 in the plate portion 211 . A second switching chamber return port 112 c is formed in the plate portion 211 below the groove portion 216 .

In addition, the discharge port forming member 111 is attached to the front surface of the plate portion 211 so as to cover the opening 212 . In addition, a discharge port forming member 112 is attached to the front surface of the plate portion 211 so as to cover the opening 214 .

Further, first switching chamber temperature sensors 43 a and 43 b are provided on the upper portion of the plate portion 211 . One first switching chamber temperature sensor 43 b is located inside the ejection port forming member 111 . Further, second switching chamber temperature sensors 44 a and 44 b are provided below the plate portion 211 . One of the second switching chamber temperature sensors 44b is positioned inside the ejection port forming member 112 .

Further, the plate portion 211 has a recess portion 217a formed above the opening 212 into which the screw 250a is inserted. A screw insertion hole 217c (see FIG. 9) through which the screw 250a is inserted is formed at the tip of the recess 217a.

Further, in the plate portion 211, a recess portion 217b into which the screw 250b is inserted is formed in the groove portion 216. As shown in FIG. A screw insertion hole 217d (see FIG. 9) through which the screw 250b is inserted is formed at the tip of the recess 217b.

The rear panel 220 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular plate portion 221 when viewed from the front. An opening 222 is formed in the rear panel 220 at a position facing the opening 212 of the front panel 210 . An opening 223 is formed in the rear panel 220 at a position facing the opening 214 of the front panel 210 . Further, the rear panel 220 is formed with a return communication passage 224 that communicates with the first switching chamber return port 111c. Further, the rear panel 220 is formed with a return communication passage 225 that communicates with the second switching chamber return port 112c.

A freezer compartment return air passage 120d extending in the vertical direction is formed on the rear panel 220 at the right end as viewed from the front side. This freezer compartment return air passage 120 d communicates with the return communication passage 224 . A freezer compartment return port 120c communicating with the freezer compartment return air passage 120d is formed in the upper portion of the rear panel 220 .

Although not shown, the rear panel 220 is formed with a screw insertion hole through which the screw 250a is inserted and a screw insertion hole through which the screw 350b is inserted.

The heat insulating foam material 230 is configured by combining a first heat insulating foam material 230A and a second heat insulating foam material 230B. The first foam heat insulating material 230A has a notch hole 232A communicating with the opening 212, a notch hole 234A communicating with the opening 214, a notch hole 235 communicating with the first switching chamber return port 111c, and a second switching chamber return port. A notch hole 236 communicating with 112c is formed. A notch hole 232B communicating with the notch hole 232A and a notch hole 234B communicating with the notch hole 234A are formed in the second foam heat insulating material 230B.

A through hole 237a into which the recessed portion 217a is inserted and a through hole 237b into which the recessed portion 217b is inserted are formed in the first foamed heat insulating material 230A. A through hole 238a into which the recessed portion 217a is inserted and a through hole 238b into which the recessed portion 217b is inserted are formed in the second foam heat insulating material 230B.

The damper duct member 300 takes in the cold air generated by the second evaporator 14b by the second fan 9b (see FIG. 3), discharges the cold air to the first switching chamber 5 from the openings 212 and 213 of the front panel 210, and also Cool air is discharged from 214 and 215 to the second switching chamber 6 . Also, the damper duct member 300 is configured to introduce cool air into the ice making compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4 from above.

The damper duct member 300 is configured by combining a front case 310 arranged on the front side and a rear case 320 arranged on the rear side (back side).

Further, the front case 310 has a rectangular opening 312a (air outlet) corresponding to the opening 212 and a rectangular opening 312b (air outlet) corresponding to the opening 213 at the upper front portion. The opening area of the opening 312a is formed larger than the opening area of the opening 312b.

Further, the front case 310 has a rectangular opening 312a (air outlet) corresponding to the opening 214 and a rectangular opening 312b (air outlet) corresponding to the opening 215 at the lower front portion. The opening area of the opening 312a is formed larger than the opening area of the opening 312b.

Further, the front case 310 is formed with a projecting screw boss 310c between the tubular rib 315 and the tubular rib 316 . Further, the front case 310 is formed with a projecting screw boss 310d between the tubular rib 317 and the tubular rib 318. As shown in FIG.

Further, a recessed portion 330 is formed in the front case 310 . The recessed portion 330 is positioned substantially at the center of the damper duct member 300 in the vertical direction.

Further, the front panel 210 is provided with a surface heater H10 on the rear surface of the side corresponding to the first switching chamber 5 . Further, the rear panel 220 is provided with a surface heater H11 on the inner wall of the freezer compartment return air passage 120d. Thereby, it is possible to prevent frost from adhering inside the freezer compartment return air passage 120d. A surface heater H12 (see FIG. 10) is provided on the inner wall of the damper duct member 300 facing the second fan 9b. This can prevent frost and water from accumulating on the damper duct member 300, and further prevent frost from adhering to the second fan 9b.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the heat-insulating partition wall as seen obliquely from the rear.
As shown in FIG. 9, the back surface of the front panel 210 (plate portion 211) has a recess 217a that protrudes rearward. A recess 217b is formed on the rear surface of the front panel 210 (plate portion 211) so as to protrude rearward. Further, on the rear surface of the front panel 210, a protrusion 210c having a screw insertion hole is formed so as to protrude rearward.

A through-hole 230a through which the protrusion 210c is inserted is formed through the second foamed heat insulating material 230B. A through-hole 230b through which the protrusion 210c is inserted is formed in the first foamed heat insulating material 230A. Although not shown, the rear panel 220 is formed with a screw boss (not shown) to which the tip of the protrusion 210c is fitted and fixed.

A screw boss 226 is formed on the rear surface of the rear panel 220 so as to protrude rearward (toward the damper duct member 300). This threaded boss 226 is adapted to be inserted into the recessed portion 330 of the damper duct member 300 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the damper duct. 10 shows a state in which the rear case 320 is removed from the damper duct member 300. As shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 10, inside the front case 310 of the damper duct member 300, a second fan 9b and damper members 410, 420, 430 are mounted for increasing the pressure of ambient air. Each of the damper members 410 to 430 includes a flapper and a drive unit that drives the flapper, and the flapper contacts an opening provided in the front case 310 forming the duct portion (flow path portion) of the damper duct member 300 and its surroundings. and separate.

The damper member 410 corresponds to the first switching chamber 5 (see FIG. 3). The damper member 410 is a twin damper including a first switching chamber first flapper 411 and a first switching chamber second flapper 412 . In addition, the damper member 410 is operated by one drive unit 413 provided between the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . The chamber second flapper 412 is opened and closed. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 is formed larger than the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . Also, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 has a size that can open and close the opening 312a (see FIG. 8). In addition, the first switching chamber second flapper 412 has a size that can open and close the opening 312b (see FIG. 8).

The damper member 420 corresponds to the second switching chamber 6 (see FIG. 3) and is similar to the damper member 410 . The damper member 420 is a twin damper including a second switching chamber first flapper 421 and a second switching chamber second flapper 422 . The damper member 420 also includes a driving portion 413 that drives the second switching chamber first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber second flapper 422 . The second switching chamber first flapper 421 has a size that can open and close the opening 312a (see FIG. 8). The second switching chamber second flapper 422 has a size that can open and close the opening 312b (see FIG. 8).

Damper member 430 corresponds to ice making compartment 3 (see FIG. 3) and freezer compartment 4 (see FIG. 3). Also, the damper member 430 is a single damper having a flapper 431 (see FIG. 3). Also, the damper member 430 includes a damper frame 432 that supports the flapper 431 (see FIG. 3) and a drive section 433 that drives the flapper 431 (see FIG. 3). The driving portion 433 has a side surface 433a having a rectifying function.

The damper member 410 is arranged on the side of the second fan 9b. Damper member 420 is arranged below damper member 410 . The damper member 430 is arranged above the second fan 9b. A joint portion 314a is formed at the upper end of the front case 310 to be connected to the freezer compartment air passage 130 (see FIGS. 3 and 6).

Cords W1 and W2 (electric wires) are arranged extending from the damper members 410 and 420, respectively. Cord W1 extends downward from damper member 410 . Cord W2 extends upward from damper member 420 .

The front case 310 includes a plate portion 311a to which the damper members 410 to 430 and the second fan 9b are attached; is configured with A rib 311b1 extending further rearward (toward the rear case 320) is formed at the tip of the outer peripheral edge portion 311b.

The outer peripheral edge portion 311b of the front case 310 includes a side edge portion 311s that extends linearly in the vertical direction along the side portions of the damper members 410 and 420, and a curved portion that is curved along the second fan 9b. It has an edge portion 311t and a side edge portion 311u linearly extending in the vertical direction along the right side portion of the damper member 420 .

Further, the plate portion 311a of the front case 310 is formed with rectifying plates 311x, 311y, and 311z. These current plates 311x to 311z have the function of guiding the air discharged from the second fan 9b to the upper damper member 430, and are positioned between the second fan 9b and the curved edge portion 311t. Further, the current plates 311x to 311z are arranged side by side along the curved edge 311t. In addition, the rectifying plate 311y also functions as a cord holding member, which will be described later.

In addition, the rectifying plates 311x, 311y, and 311z are configured such that the inner wall surfaces 311x1, 311y1, and 311z1 are substantially continuous surfaces. As a result, the wind from the second fan 9 b can be effectively rectified and sent to the damper member 430 .

Further, the driving portion 433 of the damper member 430 has a side surface 433a which is located near the rectifying plate 311z and forms a continuous surface with the rectifying plate 311z. As a result, the side surface 433a constitutes a part of the air passage together with the rectifying plates 311x to 311z, so windage loss can be reduced.

Further, the plate portion 311a of the front case 310 has the recess portion 330 protruding rearward. A hole 330a (see FIG. 11) is formed through the tip surface of the recessed portion 330. As shown in FIG.

A plate portion 311a of the front case 310 is formed with cord holding members 311m, 311n, and 311o for holding cords (electric wires) W1 and W2 connected to the damper members 410 and 420, respectively.

The cord holding member 311m is positioned below the damper member 410. As shown in FIG. A cord W1 extending from the damper member 410 is passed between the side edge portion 311s and the cord restraining member 311m and held.

The cord holding member 311n is positioned above the damper member 420. As shown in FIG. The cord W2 extending from the damper member 420 is passed through and held between the side edge portion 311u and the cord restraining member 311n.

The cord holding member 311o is positioned near the curved edge 311t. Cords W1 and W2 extending from damper members 410 and 420 are passed between curved edge portion 311t and cord restraining member 311o and held.

The cord W1 passes through the lower side of the recessed portion 330 and is hung on the cord holding member 311o. The cord W2 passes through the left side of the recess 330 and is hung on the cord holding member 311o.

A planar heater H12 is attached to the plate portion 311a of the front case 310. As shown in FIG. The surface heater H12 is constructed by appropriately bending a heat transfer wire h1 and covering it with an aluminum sheet h2 having a high thermal conductivity. The planar heater H12 is arranged on the entire surface of the plate portion 311a except for the damper members 410, 420, and 430. As shown in FIG. A second fan 9b is arranged on the surface heater H12, and the second fan 9b is screwed to the plate portion 311a.

The cords W1 and W2 passed through the cord restraining member 311o are combined with the cord W3 extending from the second fan 9b and passed between the current plates 311x, 311y, 311z and the curved edge portion 311t. The cords W1 to W3 are combined with cords (not shown) extending from the damper member 430 and pulled out from the upper end portion of the damper duct member 300 to the outside. Since the cord W3 can be joined to the cords W1 and W2 in this way, the ease of assembly can be improved.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member.
As shown in FIG. 11, the plate portion 311a is formed with a second fan fixing portion 311c to which the second fan 9b (see FIG. 10) is fixed. A plurality of screw bosses 311d for screwing the second fan 9b are formed on the second fan fixing portion 311c. The second fan 9b is attached to the screw boss 311d via anti-vibration rubber.

Further, the plate portion 311a includes a first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A to which the damper member 410 (see FIG. 10) is fixed, and a second switching chamber damper fixing portion 312B to which the damper member 420 (see FIG. 10) is fixed. and are formed. A freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 to which the damper member 430 is fixed is formed in the plate portion 311a.

The first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is configured to have a recess so as to be located forward of the second fan fixing portion 311c. In other words, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is located on the front side (inside the chamber) of the second fan fixing portion 311c. Like the first switchable chamber damper fixing portion 312A, the second switching chamber damper fixing portion 312B is configured to have a recess so as to be located forward of the second fan fixing portion 311c.

The first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A has a rectangular opening (air outlet) 312a and a rectangular opening (air outlet) 312b. A contact portion 312c in the shape of a square frame is formed on the edge of the opening 312a with which the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 10) contacts. A contact portion 312d in the shape of a square frame is formed on the edge of the opening 312b with which the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 10) contacts.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is formed with a cylindrical rib 315 (rib) extending forward from the edge of the opening 312a. Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is formed with a cylindrical rib 316 extending forward from the edge of the opening 312b. Further, the second switching chamber damper fixing portion 312B is formed with a cylindrical rib 317 (rib) extending forward from the edge of the opening 312a. Further, the second switching chamber damper fixing portion 312B is formed with a cylindrical rib 318 extending forward from the edge of the opening 312b.

FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the inside of the front case to which the damper member is attached.
As shown in FIG. 12, the abutting portion 312c preferably protrudes rearward (first switching chamber first flapper 411 side) from a reference surface (bottom surface) 312s of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A. It is Further, the contact portion 312c is formed such that the upper side portion 312t and the left and right side portions 312u, 312u of the opening 312a protrude from the surface 312s. Further, the contact portion 312c is configured so that the lower side portion 312v of the opening 312a does not protrude from the surface 312s (to be flush with the surface 312s).

The contact portion 312d is formed so as to protrude rearward (first switching chamber second flapper 412 side) from a reference surface (bottom surface) 312s of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A. Further, the contact portion 312d is formed such that the upper side portion 312w, the lower side portion 312x, and the left and right side portions 312y, 312y of the opening 312a protrude from the surface 312. As shown in FIG.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is formed with a rib 312e extending linearly along the vertical direction on the left side (right side in the figure) of the opening 312a. The ribs 312e are composed of, for example, a plurality of ribs and are formed parallel to each other. Further, the rib 312e is formed so as to have a length corresponding to approximately the height from the upper end to the lower end of the contact portion 312c. This reinforces the fixing surface (surface 312s) of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is formed with screw boss portions 312g, 312h, and 312i to which the damper member 410 (see FIG. 10) is fixed. These screw boss portions 312g, 312h and 312i are formed at positions corresponding to screw fixing portions 413d, 413e and 413f (see FIG. 15) of the damper member 410 which will be described later.

The second switchable chamber damper fixing portion 312B (see FIG. 11) has the same configuration as the first switchable chamber damper fixing portion 312A, so the same reference numerals are given and redundant description is omitted.

Returning to FIG. 11, the freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 is positioned above the second fan fixing portion 311c. Further, the freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 is formed such that a fixing plate 313a for fixing the damper frame 432 (see FIG. 10) is erected on the plate portion 311a. A rectangular notch 313b is formed in the fixed plate 313a to allow cold air to pass therethrough. Further, the freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 is formed with a fitting portion 313c to which the driving portion 433 (see FIG. 10) is fitted. Further, the freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 retracts the damper so that the damper (flapper 431) of the damper member 430 does not block the flow of cold air discharged from the second fan 9b when the damper (flapper 431) of the damper member 430 is opened. A recessed portion 313d is formed.

Further, front case 310 is formed above freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 with introduction path 314 for introducing cold air into ice making compartment 3 and freezer compartment 4 (see FIG. 3). The introduction path 314 becomes narrower as it goes upward, and has a rectangular joint portion 314a at its upper end.

A rib 314 b is formed on the inner wall surface of the introduction path 314 . The ribs 314b are designed to release water that has flowed down from the joint portion 314a to a position away from the damper member 430 (see FIG. 10).

A water guide rib 311q is formed on the plate portion 311a between the damper member 410 (see FIG. 10) and the damper member 420 (see FIG. 10). This water guide rib 311q is positioned near the top of a tubular rib 318 to which a damper member 420 (see FIG. 10) is attached. Also, the water guide rib 311q is formed linearly and is formed so as to descend from the left side toward the right side. Also, the height of the water guide rib 311q is configured to be higher than the contact portion 312d. As a result, water falling from above the damper member 420 can be prevented from splashing onto the second switching chamber second flapper 422 of the damper member 420 .

Further, the front case 310 is formed with screw insertion portions 311f and 311g through which screws are inserted, at the upper portion and center portion in the vertical direction of the plate portion 311a. Further, the front case 310 is formed with a screw boss 311h for screw fixing at the lower portion of the plate portion 311a in the vertical direction. Since the damper duct member 300 is provided with the second fan 9b and the openings 312a and 312b that are opened and closed by the flapper, the air passage can be formed with a small number of members. As a result, leakage and loss of circulating cool air can be reduced. Since openings are provided on two or more different sides of the second fan 9b, the length of the air path from the second fan 9b to each storage compartment opening can also be shortened.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear case of the damper duct member.
As shown in FIG. 13, the rear case 320 has a substantially L-shaped plate portion 321a arranged at a position facing the plate portion 311a, similarly to the front case 310 (see FIG. 11). . Further, an outer peripheral edge portion 321b corresponding to the outer peripheral edge portion 311b of the front case 310 is formed on the plate portion 321a. Furthermore, a rib 321b1 projecting forward is formed at the tip of the outer peripheral edge portion 321b.

Further, the rear case 320 is formed with a circular introduction hole 321c for introducing cool air generated by the second evaporator 14b (see FIG. 2). Further, the rear case 320 has an introduction path 321d formed above the introduction hole 321c for introducing cold air into the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 (see FIG. 3). 321 d of this introduction path becomes narrower toward the upper direction, and the fitting joint part 321e which fits with the joint part 314a (refer FIG. 11) is formed in the upper end.

A screw boss 321f is formed in the rear case 320 at a position corresponding to the screw insertion portion 311f (see FIG. 11). Further, the rear case 320 is formed with a screw insertion portion 321h at a position corresponding to the screw boss 311h (see FIG. 11). Further, the rear case 320 is formed in the shape of a protrusion directed inward from the plate portion 321a by the recess portion 340 described above. A screw insertion hole 340 a is formed at the tip of the recess 340 .

In the front case 310 and the rear case 320 configured in this manner, the outer peripheral edge portions 311b (see FIG. 11) and the outer peripheral edge portions 321b are butted against each other, and the ribs 311b1 (see FIG. 11) are fitted to the ribs 321b1. are combined by By combining the front case 310 and the rear case 320 in this way, cold air leakage to the outside of the damper duct member 300 can be effectively suppressed.

14 is an arrow view in the XIV direction of FIG. 10. FIG. In FIG. 14, the codes W1, W2 and W3 are omitted.
As shown in FIG. 14 , damper member 430 (see FIG. 10 ) is attached to freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 formed on plate portion 311 a of front case 310 . Specifically, the freezer compartment damper fixing portion 313 has a rectangular frame-shaped fixing plate 313a, and the damper member 430 is fixed to the fixing plate 313a. Further, reinforcing members 313e, 313e are formed on the fixed plate 313a.

C-shaped cutouts 313s through which the cords W1 to W3 (see FIG. 10) are passed are formed in the corners of the fixing plate 313a. A notch 313u through which the cords W1 to W3 (see FIG. 10) are passed is formed in the joint portion 314a.

Further, the fixing plate 313a is formed so as to protrude from the height of the outer peripheral edge portion 311b of the front case 310 (the tip of the rib 311b1). Further, screw insertion portions (fixing portions) 313g and 313h for fixing the damper member 430 are formed on the fixing plate 313a. The screws 270a and 270b inserted through the screw insertion portions 313g and 313h are formed at positions that do not overlap the outer peripheral edge portion 311b when viewed from above. In other words, the axial direction of the screws 270a and 270b is formed at a position that does not overlap the outer peripheral edge portion 311b in the vertical direction. Accordingly, when attaching the damper member 430 to the front case 310 , the damper member 430 can be easily attached to the front case 310 .

Further, the screw 270a of the screw insertion portion 313g and the screw 270b of the screw insertion portion 313h are positioned on a diagonal line of the damper member 430 (see FIG. 10). Accordingly, when fixing the damper member 430 to the fixed plate 313a, the damper member 430 can be stably attached to the fixed plate 313a without being lifted.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the damper member as seen from the front side.
As shown in FIG. 15, the drive unit 413 includes a rectangular box (receiving unit) 413a. The box 413a has a front surface 414a, a rear surface 414b, a left side 414c, a right side 414d, a bottom surface 414e and a top surface 414f.

A driving member DM (see FIG. 17) such as a motor M and a gear member G, which will be described later, is combined and housed in the box 413a. Also, the box 413a is arranged in a space different from the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 as storage chambers, that is, the space inside the damper duct member 300 as a discharge duct. The space inside the damper duct member 300 is circulated with cold air having the temperature of the second evaporator 14b.

The damper member 410 is provided with a first switching chamber first flapper 411 and a first switching chamber second flapper 412 which are driven by a driving portion 413 . Further, the damper member 410 is provided with screw fixing portions 413d, 413e, and 413f for screw fixing.

The first switching chamber first flapper 411 is configured to rotate rearward along the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. The first switching chamber second flapper 412 is configured to rotate rearward along the upper surface 414f of the box 413a.

The first switching chamber first flapper 411 includes a synthetic resin base material 411a (see FIG. 16) and a silicone rubber sealing material 411b covering the front surface of the base material 411a. . The first switching chamber second flapper 412 includes a synthetic resin base material 412a (see FIG. 16) and a silicone rubber sealing material 412b covering the front surface of the base material 412a. .

The sealing material 411b has a vertically long substantially rectangular shape, and has a shape in which four corners P10 are rounded in the circumferential direction. Also, the sealing material 411b has a shape in which a central portion 411b1 and an outer peripheral portion 411b2 are raised, and a recess 411b3 is formed therebetween. The position where the opening 312a abuts against the sealing material 411b is between the outer peripheral portion 411b2 and the recess 411b3. Moreover, all the corners P10 have the same curvature. For example, by setting the ratio of the R of one corner to the full width W of the short side of the sealing material 411b (the length over one dimension S10) to be 19% or more, the sealing between the opening 312a and the sealing material 411b can be achieved. can improve sexuality.

Here, the sealing performance of the flapper will be explained.
FIG. 25 shows the strain distribution of the sealing material 411b when the first switching chamber first flapper 411 contacts and seals the contact portion 312c. FIG. 26 is a vector diagram of the tensile direction of the corner portion 501 of the sealing material 411b.

The sealing material 411b has a corner portion 501 corresponding to the above-mentioned R portion and a straight portion corresponding to the linearly extending portion of the above-mentioned dimension W for each edge in each direction (referred to as each side for convenience). 502 and . Since the sealing member 411b has a rectangular shape in this embodiment, it has four straight portions 502 and four corner portions 501 including the long sides. The overall dimension of the long side can be set to, for example, 100% or more and 140% or less of the overall dimension of the short side (the dimension of the corner portion 501 + the dimension of the straight portion 502). Considering the application to the air passage of a refrigerator, it can be preferably set between 110% and 140% and between 115% and 130%.

In FIG. 25, the black region has little distortion and high adhesion between the sealing material 411b and the contact portion 312c. As is clear from the drawing, the adhesion is relatively weak in the vicinity of the corner portion 501 .

Consider this phenomenon. FIG. 27 shows the edge position 503 of the sealing material 411b at the initial sealing position where the first switching chamber first flapper 411 abuts against the abutment portion 312c and begins to seal, and the seal after deformation where the sealing performance is improved by close contact. 504 and 504 of the edge of the sealing material 411b.

As for the dimension S of the straight portion 502, since the difference between the dimension S1 at the initial sealing position 503 and the dimension S2 at the post-deformation sealing position 504 is small or non-existent, the distortion during sealing is small. On the other hand, in the dimension R of the corner portion 501 of the sealing material 411b, the change from the dimension R1 at the initial sealing position 503 to the dimension R2 at the post-deformation sealing position 504 is larger than that of the straight portion 502, and the tension is generated and the strain is large. . That is, the closer the distortion is to a straight line, the smaller the distortion. It is presumed that if the curvature of the corner portion 501 is made smaller, the sealing performance is improved.

Four examples will be taken to confirm this point. FIG. 28 shows four shapes of the first switching chamber first flapper 411, and is a diagram evaluating the adhesion of the sealing material 411b when the contact portion 312c is brought into contact with the contact portion 312c for sealing. When the ratio (S10) of one corner R to the full width W of the short side of the sealing material 411b is (a) 19%, (b) 23%, (c) 31%, and (d) 39 %. In either case, the dimensions of the straight portion 502 are the same. Therefore, the larger the ratio (S10), the smaller the curvature. The value of R in FIG. 28 is the actual R dimension. Indeed, it was confirmed that the greater the ratio of R (S10), the more improved the sealability. As a method for this confirmation, the strain distribution may be obtained by simulation or measurement, or the leak amount may be measured by blowing colored smoke while the sealing material 411b and the contact portion 312c are in close contact with each other. You can do it by doing

FIG. 29 is a graph showing the sealing performance (x, .DELTA., .smallcircle., .circleincircle.) confirmed in FIG.

Since the cross-sectional shape of the duct provided with the flapper 411 used in a refrigerator is generally close to a rectangle, considering applicability to the refrigerator, the size of the straight portion 502 should be larger than the size of the corner portion 501 that occupies one side. A smaller ratio of R (S10) is preferable. In this case, under the condition that the dimensions of one side are the same, the opening area can be increased. However, in this case, the sealing performance is relatively low as described above. On the other hand, if sealing performance is pursued, the opening area cannot be secured.
In this regard, as can be seen from the graph in FIG. 29, when the ratio of R (S10) exceeds 31%, the opening area decreases quickly, but the improvement in sealing performance is already sufficient. On the other hand, when the ratio of R (S10) is less than 19%, the increase in the opening area is slowed, while the sealing performance becomes difficult to withstand application to refrigerators.

Therefore, the ratio of R (S10) is preferably 19% or more, more preferably 23% or more, and more preferably 31% or more, from the viewpoint of sealing performance. From the viewpoint of securing the opening area, it is preferably 31% or less, more preferably 23% or less, and more preferably 19% or less.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the damper member as seen from the rear side.
As shown in FIG. 16, the damper member 410 includes a flapper support portion 413b extending toward the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and a flapper support portion 413c extending toward the first switching chamber second flapper 412. ing. The flapper support portion 413b extends downward in the vertical direction (vertical direction) from the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. The flapper support portion 413c extends upward in the vertical direction (vertical direction) from the upper surface 414f of the box 413a. A first switching chamber first flapper 411 is attached to the flapper support portion 413b. A first switching chamber second flapper 412 is attached to the flapper support portion 413c.

The box 413a is formed with a flapper support portion cover 415 (cover portion) that covers the outside of the flapper support portion 413c. The flapper support section cover 415 includes a front section 415a that covers the front side of the flapper support section 413c, a side section 415b that covers the right side (the side opposite to the first switching chamber second flapper 412 in the left-right direction), and an upper surface. and an upper surface portion 415c that covers the sides. In this manner, the flapper support portion cover 415 is formed on a surface (surface excluding the rear and left sides) excluding the rotation range of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . A screw fixing portion 413e is formed integrally with the flapper support portion cover 415. As shown in FIG. By providing such a flapper support portion cover 415, the flapper support portion 413c is less likely to be splashed with water.

A support member 415d that rotatably holds the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is formed in the box 413a. The support member 415d extends downward from the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. A screw fixing portion 413d is integrally formed at the lower end of the support member 415d.

The flapper support portion 413c is composed of a rod-shaped (shaft-shaped) member, and is formed to protrude vertically upward from an upper surface 414f of the box 413a. Further, the flapper support portion 413c is formed with an umbrella portion 416 protruding radially outward.

The box 413a has a connector 418 exposed to the outside of the box 413a. The connector 418 is configured such that a terminal 418a (connection terminal) protrudes downward. The connector 418 has a shape (space) obtained by notching a corner of the box 413a in a triangular shape in plan view, and protrudes downward from its upper surface (ceiling surface) 414r. That is, the terminal 418a of the connector 418 is configured to face downward from the box 413a.

A guide rib 417 is formed on the rear surface 414b of the box 413a (the surface opposite to the first switching chamber 5) so as to slope downward from the left side to the right side. The upper end of this guide rib 417 is located above the space in which the connector 418 is attached.

A hook 419a for hooking a cord (not shown) extending from the connector 418 is formed on the left side 414c of the box 413a. Also, the support member 415d is integrally formed with cord restraining portions 419b and 419c for restraining the cord extending from the hook 419a.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the damper member.
As shown in FIG. 17, the damper member 410 has a first switching chamber first flapper 411, a first switching chamber second flapper 412, and a driving portion 413 (see FIG. 16).

The first switching chamber first flapper 411 has a synthetic resin base member 411a. Claws 411c are formed on the base material 411a so as to protrude from a plurality of locations. The sealing material 411b of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is held by the base material 411a by inserting the claw 411c into a hole formed in the sealing material 411b.

Arm portions 411d, 411d are formed on the base member 411a. The arm portion 411d protrudes laterally from the base member 411a and is separated vertically. A flapper support portion 413b is provided on the upper arm portion 411d. The flapper support portion 413b is fixed in connection with a shaft g2, which will be described later.

The first switching chamber second flapper 412 has a synthetic resin base 412a. The base material 412a is formed with claws 412c protruding from a plurality of locations. The sealing material 412b of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 is held by the base material 412a by inserting the claw 412c into a hole formed in the sealing material 412b.

An arm portion 412d is formed on the base member 412a so as to protrude sideways. The arm portion 412d is fixed to the flapper support portion 413c. The flapper support portion 413c has a shaft portion 413k extending in the vertical direction, and a head portion 416 having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 413k is formed under the shaft portion 413k (below the arm portion 412d). ing.

The box 413a is configured by combining a case body 413A having an opening 414o formed on the upper surface thereof and a cover member 413B closing the opening 414o.

The case body 413A has a front surface 414a (see FIG. 15), a rear surface 414b, a left side 414c, a right side 414d and a bottom surface 414e (see FIG. 15). Further, the case main body 413A accommodates a motor M to which a pinion gear PG is attached, and a drive member DM having a gear member G coupled with the pinion gear PG. The gear member G has a shaft portion g1 connected to the flapper support portion 413c and a shaft portion g2 connected to the flapper support portion 413b.

In addition, the drive unit 413 has a drive mechanism in the box 413a so that the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412 can be opened and closed independently. That is, the drive unit 413 closes both the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412, or closes both the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412. configured to open. Further, the drive unit 413 opens the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and closes the first switching chamber second flapper 412, and also closes the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and closes the first switching chamber second flapper 412. configured to open.

The support member 415d is configured by combining vertically elongated plate members 415e and 415f in an L shape. Further, connecting portions 415g, 415g connected to the arm portions 411d, 411d are formed inside the supporting member 415d.

Further, the case main body 413A is formed with fixing portions 414j, 414k, and 414m to which screw bosses 414g, 414h, and 414i described later are fitted and fixed. These fixed portions 414j, 414k, and 414m are formed by recessing the corners of the case body 413A inward.

Further, the guide rib 417 has a function of guiding the water that has flowed to the rear surface 414b downward of the case main body 413A. Further, the guide rib 417 is inclined downward from the left side 414c toward the right side 414d. Also, the upper end of the guide rib 417 is positioned at the upper end of the left end of the rear surface 414b. In addition, the lower end of the guide rib 417 is positioned in the vertical center of the right end of the rear surface 414b. Also, the lower end of the guide rib 417 is configured to be formed continuously with the fixing portion 414j. Further, the upper end side of the guide rib 417 is located above the side where the connector 418 is provided. Further, the lower end side of the guide rib 417 is located on the side where the connector 418 is not provided.

By providing such a guide rib 417, the water that has flowed down from the upper surface 414f of the box 413a to the rear surface 414b flows downward along the guide rib 417, passes the side of the damper member 410, and flows downward. In addition, since the inclination angle of the guide rib 417 is formed gently, water does not drop off in the middle of the guide rib 417. - 特許庁The shape and inclination angle of the guide rib 417 can be set as appropriate.

Further, since the guide rib 417 is provided on the surface (rear surface 414b) on which the connector 418 is provided, it is possible to prevent water from flowing into the upper surface 414r (see FIG. 16) on which the connector 418 is provided. As will be described later, the damper member 410 is installed such that the upper surface 414f descends rearward, so that water falling from the upper surface 414f flows toward the rear surface 414b. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the connector 418 from being exposed to water only by providing the guide rib 417 only on the rear surface 414b.

The cover member 413B has a rectangular and flat upper surface 414f, and screw bosses 414g, 414h, and 414i are formed at the corners of the upper surface 414f to discharge ink downward in the vertical direction. Although FIG. 17 shows a state in which three screw bosses 414g, 414h, and 414i are formed, similar screw bosses are also formed at the remaining corners. These screw bosses 414g, 414h, and 414i are formed with downward screw holes in the vertical direction.

The screw bosses 414g, 414h, 414i are fitted from above to the fixed portions 414j, 414k, 414m of the case main body 413A. Screw insertion holes through which the screws 280 are inserted are formed through the fixed portions 414j, 414k, and 414m. After the screws 280 are inserted from below into the screw insertion holes, they are screwed onto the screw bosses 414g, 414h and 414i of the cover member 413B.

An upper surface 414f of the cover member 413B is formed with a shaft hole 413j through which the shaft portion g1 of the gear member G protrudes. This shaft hole 413j is positioned at the front and right corner. The flapper support portion cover 415 is integrally formed with the cover member 413B.

FIG. 18 is a side view of a damper member for switching chambers.
As shown in FIG. 18 , the front surface 414 a of the drive unit 413 is configured to be substantially flush with the front surface of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . In addition, the front surface of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is located slightly behind the front surface 414 a of the driving portion 413 .

The screw boss 414h at the position where the connector 418 is provided is shorter in the vertical direction than the other screw bosses 414i.

The umbrella portion 416 is configured to have a larger diameter than the shaft portion 413k. By providing such an umbrella portion 416, it is possible to prevent water from entering through the gap even in a configuration in which a gap is formed between the shaft hole 413j and the shaft portion 413k.

Moreover, the umbrella portion 416 is located above the upper surface 414f. Also, the umbrella portion 416 is positioned at substantially the same height as the lower end of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . Moreover, the umbrella portion 416 has an inclined surface 416a that descends from the axial center toward the outer peripheral side. This allows water to flow toward the upper surface 414f without accumulating on the inclined surface 416a. Moreover, since water flows radially outward, it is difficult for water to enter the gap between the shaft portion 413k and the shaft hole 413j.

19 is a cross-sectional view along line XIX-XIX of FIG. 18. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19, the corners (edges) of the box 413a are rounded. The corners P3 and P4 of the lower portion of the box 413a are formed to have small curvatures. On the other hand, the corners P1 and P2 of the upper portion of the box 413a have a larger curvature than the corners P3 and P4.

Thus, by increasing the R of the corners of the top surface 414f of the box 413a, it becomes easier for the water adhering to the top surface 414f to escape to the left side 414c and the right side 414d. As a result, it is possible to prevent water from staying on the upper surface 414f and freezing, thereby preventing the opening and closing operation of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 from being hindered.

Although not shown, the corners of the box 413a in the front-rear direction are also configured such that the R of the front and rear corners of the upper portion is larger than the R of the front and rear corners of the lower portion, as in FIG. . Therefore, the water adhering to the upper surface 414f can easily flow toward the rear surface 414b, and the problem of water freezing on the upper surface 414f can be suppressed. Moreover, the water that has flowed to the rear surface 414b flows down along the rear surface 414b due to the guide ribs 417 described above, so that the water does not accumulate in the box 413a.

FIG. 20 is a front view of a heat insulating partition duct plate.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the heat insulating partition duct plate 400, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other using screws 250a and 250b from the side of the front panel 210 facing the inside of the refrigerator.

Also, the outlet forming member 111 is fixed to the front panel 210 via screws 250c. Also, the outlet forming member 112 is fixed to the front panel 210 via screws 250d. Also, the front panel 210 is fixed to the rear panel 220 (see FIG. 9) via screws 250e.

Since the screw 250a is covered with the discharge port forming member 111 in this way, it is difficult for water attached to the front panel 210 to enter around the screw 250a. Further, since the screw 250b is positioned in the groove portion 216, it is difficult for water to enter the screw 250b.

Further, cap members (not shown) are attached to the positions where the screws 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e are provided after the screws are fixed. As a result, the appearance is improved, and water can be prevented from entering through the gaps between the screws 250a, 250b, 250c, 250d, and 250e.

21 is a cross-sectional view along line XXI-XXI of FIG. 20. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 21, the damper member 410 is fixed to the front case 310 via screw fixing portions 413d, 413e, and 413f (see FIG. 15). The damper member 410 can be fixed in a state of being biased or pressed against the front case 310 in addition to screwing or screwing. As a result, the adhesion between the damper member 410 and the front case 310 and the parallelism of the flapper with respect to the front case 310, which also functions as a contact portion of the flapper, can be improved, making it easier to ensure airtightness when the flapper is closed. The damper member 420 is also screw-fixed to the front case 310 in the same manner as the damper member 410 .

The heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other via screws 250a at the top. That is, the recessed portion 217a of the front panel 210 is inserted into the through hole 238a (see FIG. 22) of the second heat insulating foam material 230B, and is inserted into the through hole 237a (see FIG. 22) of the first heat insulating foam material 230A. On the other hand, the screw boss 310c is inserted into the through hole 237a from the opposite side. The recessed portion 217a abuts against the screw boss 310c. Then, the screw 250a is inserted into the recessed portion 217a, passed through the screw insertion hole 217c, and then screwed onto the screw boss 310c. Thus, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other.

A screw boss 226 protruding from the rear surface of the rear panel 220 is inserted into the recess 330 of the front case 310 . Further, the recessed portion 330 abuts against a recessed portion 340 formed in the rear case 320 . Then, the screw 260 is inserted from the recessed portion 340 side (rear side) and passed through the screw insertion hole 340a (see FIG. 13). The screw 260 is threaded into the screw boss 226 after being inserted into the screw insertion hole (see FIG. 11) of the recess 330 .

In this manner, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are screwed together. The damper members 410 and 420 are attached (preferably by screwing) to the damper duct member 300 which is made easy to attach and detach. can be improved.

22 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. 21. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 22, the front case 310 has a plate portion 310a having the aforementioned surface 312s. A surface (mounting surface) 312s of the plate portion 310a is inclined forward with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction, gravity direction) from the upper side to the lower side. As a result, the box 413a (see FIG. 21) attached to the front case 310 is attached with an inclination relative to the horizontal, so that the water adhering to the upper surface 414f of the box 413a can be easily discharged.

Cylindrical ribs 315 and 316 (ribs) are integrally formed on the plate portion 310a by resin molding. The cylindrical ribs 315 and 316 are formed so as to extend forward from the edge of the opening 312a (inside the refrigerator, opposite to the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 21)). As a result, deformation due to contact with the flapper can be reduced, and airtightness can be easily ensured by the flapper.

A lower inner wall surface 315a of the tubular rib 315 is inclined (at an angle α) so as to descend forward (toward the inside of the refrigerator) with respect to the horizontal plane (horizontal line) Hp. This makes it easy to drain even if water droplets adhere. Further, the cylindrical rib 315 has an upper inner wall surface 315b formed along a substantially horizontal direction.

Further, the plate portion 310a is formed with a contact portion 312c (convex portion) that protrudes toward the side of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 9) at the edge of the opening 312a. The contact portion 312c is formed in a convex shape on the first switching chamber first flapper 411 side with respect to the reference surface 312s. A lightening portion 312c1 having a concave cross-sectional shape is formed along the contact portion 312c on the front surface of the contact portion 312c. In this embodiment, the upper side portion 312t and the left and right side portions 312u, 312u (see FIG. 12) of the contact portion 312c are convex toward the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 21). formed. Further, the upper side portion 312t and the left and right side portions 312u, 312u are also formed with hollowed portions (not shown) having a concave cross-sectional shape similar to the above. Further, the lower side portion 312v is not formed to protrude toward the first switching chamber first flapper 411 side with respect to the reference surface 312s. In this manner, the strength of the contact portion 312c with which the first switching chamber first flapper 411 contacts can be improved, and deformation due to contact with the flapper can be prevented. By increasing the strength, it is possible to improve the airtightness between the contact portion 312c and the silicone rubber sealing material 411b of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 10).

In this embodiment, the case where the edge of the opening 312a is formed in a convex shape has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. It is good also as a plate|board thickness part formed so that it might become large.

As for the tubular rib 316, the lower inner wall surface 316a is inclined (angle β) downward toward the front (toward the inside of the refrigerator) with respect to the horizontal plane (horizontal line) Hp in the same manner as described above. Further, the cylindrical rib 316 has an upper inner wall surface 316b formed along a substantially horizontal direction.

Further, the plate portion 310a is formed with a contact portion 312d (convex portion) that protrudes toward the side of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 21) at the edge of the opening 312b. The contact portion 312d is formed in a convex shape toward the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 9) with respect to the reference surface 312s. A cutout portion 312d1 having a concave cross-sectional shape is formed along the contact portion 312d on the front surface of the contact portion 312d. In this embodiment, the upper side portion 312w, the lower side portion 312x, and the left and right side portions 312y, 312y (see FIG. 12) of the contact portion 312d are formed in a convex shape toward the first switching chamber second flapper 412 side. It is That is, the contact portion 312d is formed so that the entire edge of the opening 312b is convex.

In the present embodiment, the case where the edge of the opening 312b is formed in a convex shape has been described as an example, but the configuration is not limited to such a configuration. It is good also as a plate|board thickness part formed so that it might become large. As a result, the deformation of the flapper at the time of contact can be suppressed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is in a state in which the opening 312a is fully closed, and the outer peripheral surface of the sealing material 411b is in contact with the contact portion 312c at the edge of the opening 312a. It seals the opening 312a. Similarly, in the first switching chamber second flapper 412, the outer peripheral surface of the sealing member 412b abuts against the abutting portion 312d of the edge of the opening 312b to seal the opening 312b.

The heat-insulating partition wall 27 has a tubular rib 315 that extends through the opening 222 of the rear panel 220, the cutout hole 232A of the first foam insulation material 230A, the cutout hole 232B of the second foam insulation material 230B, and the edge of the opening 214 of the front panel 210. It is attached by contacting the part. As a result, cold air can be prevented from leaking into unintended gaps, for example, between the rear panel 220, the first heat insulating foam material 230A, the second heat insulating foam material 230B, and the front panel 210, and leaking to unintended places. . The cylindrical rib 315 also functions as a blocking portion that blocks the gap between these two openings.

A sealing member 240 is provided between the cylindrical rib 315 and the front panel 210 to prevent cool air from leaking. The sealing member 240 is a sheet member made of soft urethane, for example.

Further, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is attached to the front case 310 in a state of being inclined with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction). In other words, the lower side of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is slanted to be positioned further forward than the upper side.

Also, the front surface 414a (see FIG. 18) of the box 413a is in contact with the surface 312s of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A so that no gap is formed. Further, by arranging the first switching chamber first flapper 411 in an inclined manner, the upper surface 414f of the box 413a is arranged in an inclined state. That is, the upper surface 414f is inclined downward toward the rear side. By the way, since this is a place through which low-temperature cold air passes, if water accumulates on the upper surface 414f, ice is generated, and the opening/closing operation of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 becomes difficult. Therefore, by tilting the damper member 410 and tilting the box 413a, it is possible to prevent water from accumulating on the upper surface 414f.

A guide rib 417 is formed on the rear surface 414b (see FIG. 16) of the box 413a. Accordingly, even if the water flowing on the inclined upper surface 414f flows to the rear surface 414b, the guide rib 417 causes the water to flow down sideways (toward the right side surface 414d). Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from splashing onto the connector 418 side.

Although not shown, a heater may be provided on the outer surface of the front case 310 near the first switching chamber first flapper 411 . Further, a heater may be provided on the outer surface of the front case 310 in the vicinity of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 . The heater is, for example, a heat transfer wire covered with an aluminum sheet and having an appropriate size. Also, the heater may be directly provided in the first switching chamber first flapper 411 .

23 is an enlarged view of the B portion of FIG. 21. FIG.
As shown in FIG.
The heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other at their lower portions via screws 250b. That is, the recessed portion 217b of the front panel 210 is inserted through the through hole 238b of the second foamed heat insulating material 230B. On the other hand, the screw boss 310d is inserted into the through hole 237a. The recessed portion 217b abuts against the screw boss 310d. Then, the screw 250b is inserted into the recessed portion 217b, passed through the screw insertion hole 217d, and then screwed onto the screw boss 310d. Thus, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other.

The damper member 420 is fixed to the heat insulating partition wall 27 with the same inclination as the damper member 410 described above. Also, like the damper member 410 , the tip (front end) of the cylindrical rib 317 abuts on the peripheral edge of the opening of the heat insulating partition wall 27 via the seal member 240 , so that the damper member 420 and the damper duct member 300 are in contact with each other. Sealing with the heat insulating partition wall 27 is ensured, and cold air leakage from the damper member 420 to the interior (heat insulating partition wall 27) is effectively suppressed.

By the way, in the damper duct member 300, the lower inner wall surface 315a of the cylindrical rib 317 is inclined downward toward the front in order to prevent freezing. Normally, when the front case 310 is resin-molded, it is sufficient to use a mold that moves in the front-rear direction (S100, S200). is used to manufacture the front case 310 . It should be noted that since the cylindrical rib 318 has a short inclination length, it is not necessary to use the aforementioned slide mold.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion.
As shown in FIG. 24 , the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312</b>A has an inclined surface 312 f below the damper member 410 . This inclined surface 312f is inclined downward toward the rear. In addition, a rearward projecting portion 311p is formed at the lower end portion of the inclined surface 312f. The projecting portion 311p, the upper surface, and the surface of the inclined surface 312f are formed flush with each other, and are formed in a straight line shape when viewed in cross section. Moreover, the projecting portion 311p is formed so as to protrude rearward from the plate portion 311a. A surface heater H12 is provided on the surface of the plate portion 311a. The planar heater H12 has a heat transfer wire h1 covered with an aluminum sheet h2. For this reason, a bonding surface M1 between the aluminum sheet h2 and the plate portion 311a is formed at the upper end of the planar heater H12. Water may enter the planar heater H12 from the bonding surface M1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by providing the protrusion 311p, the water flowing down from the inclined surface 312f is prevented from entering the bonding surface M1.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment includes the second evaporator chamber 8b that houses the second evaporator 14b, the second evaporator chamber 8b, and the first switchable chamber 5 (second switchable chamber 6). and damper members 410 and 420 for opening and closing an opening 312b provided between the . The damper members 410 and 420 include a first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) and a first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber first and a flapper support portion 413c that protrudes upward from the upper surface 414f of the drive portion 413 and supports the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422). and have The flapper support portion 413c includes a head portion 416 having a larger diameter than the shaft portion 413k of the flapper support portion 413c. According to this, it is possible to prevent water that has flowed down from above along the flapper support portion 413c from entering the gap between the driving portion 413 and the flapper support portion 413c.

In addition, in this embodiment, the drive unit 413 includes a box 413a that houses the drive member DM, and a connector 418 provided on the outer surface of the box 413a and connected to the drive member DM. The connection terminals of the connector 418 are arranged downward in the vertical direction with respect to the box 413a. According to this, it is possible to prevent the connector 418 from being splashed by water that has fallen into the box 413a.

In addition, in this embodiment, the box 413a has an upper surface 414f formed by projecting the shaft portion 413k, and a rear surface 414b extending downward from the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface 414f. A guide rib 417 is formed on the rear surface 414b to guide water from the top to the bottom along the rear surface 414b. According to this, it is possible to prevent water that has flowed from the upper surface 414 f to flow around the connector 418 .

Further, in this embodiment, the damper members 410 and 420 are arranged such that the upper surfaces 414f are inclined. According to this, it is possible to prevent water from accumulating on the upper surface 414f of the box 413a, thereby preventing troubles in the opening and closing operation of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) due to freezing. can be prevented.

Further, in this embodiment, the box 413a includes a case body 413A having an opening 414o that opens upward and housing the driving member DM, and a cover member 413B that closes the opening 414o. Case main body 413A and cover member 413B are fixed via screw 280 . The case main body 413A is formed with a downward screw hole into which the screw 280 is inserted. According to this, it is possible to prevent water from entering the box 413a through the gap of the screw 280. FIG.

In this embodiment, the box 413a is formed such that the corners P1 and P2 of the upper surface 414f have a larger curvature than the corners P3 and P4 of the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. This makes it easier for water that has flowed to the top surface 414f to flow to the side surfaces (the front surface 414a, the rear surface 414b, the left side surface 414c, and the right side surface 414d), thereby preventing water from accumulating on the top surface 414f.

In addition, in this embodiment, the box 413a includes a flapper support portion cover 415 that covers the side surface and top surface of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) except for the operating range. According to this, it is possible to suppress water from splashing onto the flapper support portion 413c from above.

In addition, in this embodiment, the damper member 410 and the damper member 420 are arranged vertically apart from each other. Water guiding ribs are formed to divert the water in the opposite direction. According to this, it is possible to suppress water from splashing onto the lower damper member 420 .

As described above, the present embodiment has been described with reference to the drawings, but the present embodiment is not limited to the contents described above, and includes various modifications. For example, in the damper member 410, a rib may be formed around the shaft hole 413j so as to protrude from the upper surface 414f. This can prevent water from entering the shaft hole 413j.

The present application includes the following technical ideas.
[Appendix 1]
a cooler chamber containing a cooler;
a discharge duct that guides cool air from the cooler chamber,
A refrigerator in which the discharge duct is attached by screwing.
[Appendix 2]
a fan that boosts the cold air in the cooler chamber;
a fan motor that drives the fan;
a motor plate to which the fan motor is attached;
The refrigerator according to appendix 1, wherein the discharge duct is attached to the motor plate by screwing.

1 refrigerator 5 first switching compartment (storage compartment)
6 Second switching room (storage room)
8b second evaporator room (cooler room)
9b second fan (fan)
10 heat insulation box 14b second evaporator (cooler)
27 heat insulating partition wall 210 front panel 220 rear panel 230A first foam heat insulating material 230B second foam heat insulating material 280 screw 300 damper duct member 310 front case 311p projection 311q water guide rib 320 rear case 400 heat insulating partition duct plate 410 damper member (second 1 damper member)
412 first switching chamber second flapper (flapper)
413c flapper support portion 413 drive portion 413A case body cover member 413B cover member 413a box (accommodation box)
413k Axle 414b Rear surface (side surface)
414f Upper surface 414g, 414h, 414i Screw boss 415 Flapper support part cover (cover part)
415a, 415b side surface 415c upper surface 416 head portion 417 guide rib 418 connector 418a terminal (connection terminal)
420 damper member (second damper member)
422 second switching chamber second flapper (flapper)
DM drive member P1, P2 corner (large curvature)
P3, P4 corners (small curvature)

Claims (1)

a substantially rectangular seal member having an edge including a substantially linear straight portion and a substantially arc-shaped corner portion when viewed from the front;
A refrigerator comprising a damper capable of moving the sealing material to contact and separate from an opening,
The refrigerator, wherein the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing member is 19% or more and 31% or less.

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