JP7369652B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Patent Document 1 describes dampers 62 and 64 made up of damper flaps 67 that are attached to a common duct 58 that forms a cold air return flow path and are connected to a motor 65 via a reduction gear 66. A structure installed in a horizontal partition 20 that partitions the freezer compartment 12 and the vegetable compartment 16 is disclosed (0031, 0029, FIGS. 2 and 3). The common duct 58 is formed within the partition 20, the box forming the space for storing the motor 65 and the reduction gear 66 is housed within the wall of the partition 20, and the inside of the box It can be seen that these spaces face the inside of the return flow path and the storage chambers 12 and 16, respectively (FIG. 2).

It can be seen that the thickness of the wall surface of the partition portion 20 that the damper flap 67 can come into contact with is the same as that of the other portions for the damper 64, and that the damper 62 is thinner due to the cutout. In this way, the damper flap 67 of Patent Document 1 does not assume a frame (frame) on which the flapper comes into contact, which is used in many other damper structures, but directly connects the damper flap 67 and the motor 65 that drives it. It can be seen that it is attached to a member (the common duct 58 in Patent Document 1) provided with an opening to be opened and closed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-89832

Since the motor 65 and reduction gear 66 drive the damper flap 67, the drive shaft of the damper flap 67 normally extends outside the box through a gap in the box. In other words, the inside and outside of the box are in communication. This structure can also be seen from FIG. Therefore, the return cold air flowing through the return flow path in which the partition section 20 is installed can flow into the box body, which is particularly humid. On the other hand, since the space inside the box is in contact with the low-temperature air in the storage chambers 12 and 16 via the surface that forms part of the box, the air inside the box is cooled by the low-temperature air. There is a possibility that the moisture in the returned cold air inside the box may freeze or frost, which may adversely affect the motor 65 and the reduction gear 66. For this reason, it is preferable to provide the box within the common duct 58, but in this case, the dampers 62 and 64 are not premised on a frame, so the sealing between the damper flap 67 and the frame cannot be adjusted in advance. Therefore, since the damper flap 67 comes into direct contact with the opening of the shared duct 58, it is necessary to consider a mounting structure that allows easy adjustment of the sealing performance of the opening. In this regard, Patent Document 1 does not disclose anything.

Note that if the partition portion 20 is thin at the portion where the damper flap 67 contacts, the partition portion 20 may be distorted by the force caused by the contact of the damper flap, and the sealing performance may deteriorate.

The present invention provides a cooler chamber for accommodating a cooler, a storage chamber, a duct provided including a space between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber, and provided with a flow path, and a duct that abuts an edge of an opening of the duct. and a damper member comprising a separable flapper, a drive part that drives the flapper, and a flapper support part that connects the flapper and the drive part, and fastens, screws, presses or urges the duct and the damper member. a fan for discharging cold air generated by the cooler from the opening of the duct , and a cylindrical rib extending forward from an edge of the opening of the duct, is composed of a combination of a front case placed on the front side and a rear case placed on the back side, and the damper member and the fan are attached to the inner wall surface of the front case using the attachment members. Refrigerator with attached .

It is a front view showing a refrigerator concerning this embodiment. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. It is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the back inside of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the refrigerator according to the present embodiment. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part of the VV cross section shown in FIG. 4. FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a cooling air air passage structure. It is a block diagram showing the freezing cycle of the refrigerator concerning this embodiment. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a heat insulating partition wall provided on the back side of the switching room. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the damper duct. It is a perspective view showing a damper member. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the inside of the rear case of the damper duct member. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11. FIG. It is a sectional view when cut at the position of the air outlet. It is an explanatory view showing an effect when a damper duct member is constituted as a separate body.

EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Hereinafter, the form (this embodiment) for implementing this invention is demonstrated. However, this embodiment is not limited to the following content, and can be implemented with arbitrary changes within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Further, the following description will be made based on the directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. In addition, although the refrigerator 1 with 6 doors will be described as an example below, the refrigerator 1 is not limited to 6 doors.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 is a heat-insulating box body that includes a refrigerator compartment 2, an ice-making compartment 3, a freezing compartment 4, a first switching compartment 5 (upper switching compartment), and a second switching compartment 6 (lower switching compartment). It has 10. The first switching chamber 5 is capable of switching the temperature range from a refrigerating temperature range (for example, 1°C to 6°C) to a freezing temperature range (for example, about -20°C to -18°C). Similarly, the temperature zone of the second switching chamber 6 can be switched from a refrigerating temperature zone to a freezing temperature zone. The refrigerator compartment 2 is set to a refrigeration temperature range (for example, 6°C), and the ice making compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4 are set to a freezing temperature range (for example, about -20°C).

The refrigerator 1 also includes, on the front of the insulating box body 10, refrigerator compartment doors 2a and 2b for opening and closing the refrigerator compartment 2, an ice-making compartment door 3a for opening and closing the ice-making compartment 3, and a freezing compartment door 4a for opening and closing the freezing compartment 4. A first switching room door 5a opens and closes the first switching room 5, and a second switching room door 6a opens and closes the second switching room 6. The refrigerator compartment doors 2a and 2b are configured to be double-openable. 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 configured to be able to be pulled out in the front direction. The refrigerator compartment doors 2a, 2b, the ice making compartment door 3a, the freezer compartment door 4a, the first switching compartment door 5a, and the second switching compartment door 6a are heat insulating doors. Furthermore, an operating section 26 for controlling the temperature inside the refrigerator is provided on the outside surface of the refrigerator compartment door 2a.

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

A door hinge (not shown) for fixing the heat insulating box 10 and the doors 2a, 2b is provided on the front side of the outside of the top of the heat insulating box 10 and at the front edge of the heat insulating partition wall 28. The upper door hinge is covered with a door hinge cover 16.

In the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 of the refrigerator 1 of this 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 switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are both set to the freezing temperature, and the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are set to the refrigerating temperature and freezing temperature, respectively. "RF" mode in which the first switching chamber 5 and second switching chamber 6 are set to the freezing temperature and refrigeration temperature, respectively, and "FR" mode in which the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are both set to the refrigeration temperature. You can select from among the "RR" modes.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the refrigerator 1 includes a foam insulation material 93 (polyurethane foam in this embodiment) between an outer box 10a made of a steel plate and an inner box 10b made of synthetic resin (ABS resin in this embodiment). The outside of the refrigerator and the inside of the refrigerator are separated by a heat insulating box 10 that is filled and formed. In addition to the foam insulation material, the insulation box body 10 is equipped with a plurality of vacuum insulation materials, which have lower thermal conductivity (higher insulation performance) than foam insulation materials, between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b. This improves insulation performance by suppressing the drop in product density. The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a vacuum insulation material 25a on the back surface of the insulation box body 10, a vacuum insulation material 25b on the lower surface (bottom surface), a vacuum insulation material on the left side surface, and a vacuum insulation material on the right side surface, and has a storage space. The insulation performance of the refrigerator 1 is improved by suppressing the intrusion of heat from outside where the temperature is higher. Similarly, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the insulation performance of the refrigerator 1 is improved by mounting a vacuum insulation material 25e on the first switching compartment door 5a and a vacuum insulation material 25f on the second switching compartment door 6a.

The refrigerator compartment doors 2a, 2b are provided with a plurality of door pockets 33a, 33b, 33c on the inside. Furthermore, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 is divided into a plurality of storage spaces by shelves 34a, 34b, 34c, and 34d. The ice-making compartment door 3a, the freezer compartment door 4a, the first switching compartment door 5a, and the second switching compartment door 6a are the ice-making compartment container 3b, the freezing compartment container 4b, the first switching compartment container 5b, and the second switching compartment door, which are each pulled out as one unit. It is equipped with a chamber container 6b.

The back of the refrigerator compartment 2 is provided with a first evaporator compartment 8a in which a first evaporator 14a is mounted. Further, substantially at the back of the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6, there is provided a second evaporator chamber 8b (cooler chamber) in which a second evaporator 14b (cooler) is mounted. Further, a heat insulating partition wall 27 separates the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 from the second evaporator chamber 8b and a second fan discharge air passage 12, which will be described later.

Note that the heat-insulating partition wall 27 is separate from the heat-insulating box 10, the heat-insulating partition wall 29, and the heat-insulating partition wall 30, and is connected to the heat-insulating box 10 and the heat-insulating partition via a sealing member (for example, soft urethane foam) not shown. It is fixed so as to be in contact with the wall 29 and the heat insulating partition wall 30, and is removable. In this way, by forming the heat insulating partition wall 27 separately and making it removable, the second evaporator 14b housed in the second evaporator chamber 8b, the second fan 9b (described later), and the first When a malfunction occurs in the parts covered by the heat insulating partition wall 27 such as the flapper 411, the second flapper 412 in the first switching room, the first flapper 421 in the second switching room, and the second flapper 422 in the second switching room, the heat insulating partition wall 27 can be removed for easy maintenance.

Furthermore, inside the heat insulating partition walls 27 and 28, a polystyrene foam (styrene foam), 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, inside the heat-insulating partition walls 29 and 30, vacuum heat-insulating materials 25g and 25h are mounted, respectively, in addition to polystyrene foam, which is a foamed heat-insulating material, to improve heat-insulating performance. Since the vacuum insulation materials 25g and 25h have lower thermal conductivity (higher insulation performance) than the foam insulation materials, the main insulation members of the insulation partition walls 29 and 30 are the vacuum insulation materials. Note that 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.

On the back side of the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 4, the first switching compartment 5, and the second switching compartment 6, a refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 41 (see FIG. 4), a freezer compartment temperature sensor 42 (see FIG. 4), First switching room temperature sensors 43a, 43b (see FIG. 4) and second switching room temperature sensors 44a, 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. These sensors control 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 evaporator compartment. The temperature of the container 14b is detected. Furthermore, 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 outside air (air outside the refrigerator). In addition, door sensors (not shown) are provided to detect the open and closed states of the doors 2a, 2b, 3a, 4a, 5a, and 6a, respectively.

The second evaporator 14b is defrosted by energizing the defrosting heater 21, which is a heating means provided at the lower part of the second evaporator 14b, while the compressor 24 is stopped. The defrosting heater 21 (heater) may be, for example, a 50W to 200W electric heater, and in this embodiment, it is a 150W radiant heater. The defrosting water generated during defrosting of the second evaporator 14b is passed from the gutter 23b at the bottom of the second evaporator chamber 8b to the second drain pipe 23c to the second evaporating dish 32 (see Fig. 2), and is evaporated by heat radiation from the compressor 24 and ventilation by a fan (not shown) provided in the machine room 39.

Next, the configuration of the air passage inside the refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG. 2 as appropriate. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the back side of the refrigerator. In addition, FIG. 3 is a front view of the state in which the door of FIG. 1, the container, and the heat insulation partition wall 27 mentioned later 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 via the refrigerator compartment air path 110 and the refrigerator compartment outlet 110a, and cools the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2. Here, the first fan 9a is constituted by, for example, a turbo fan (backward-facing fan) that is a centrifugal fan, and its rotational speed can be controlled to high speed (1600 min ^-1 ) and low speed (1000 min ^-1 ). The air blown into the refrigerator compartment 2 returns to the first evaporator chamber 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.

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

An ice-making compartment discharge port 120a is provided on the back side of the ice-making compartment 3. This ice-making chamber outlet 120a is provided at the top of the ice-making chamber 3. A freezer compartment discharge port 120b is provided on the back side of the freezer compartment 4. This freezer compartment discharge port 120b is provided in the upper part of the freezer compartment 4. The ice-making compartment outlet 120a and the freezer compartment outlet 120b communicate with the freezer compartment air path 130. The cold air sent out from the second fan 9b passes through the freezer air passage 130 as shown by the broken line arrow, branches, and is discharged from the ice making room outlet 120a and the freezer outlet 120b as shown by the solid line arrow. be done.

The refrigerator 1 of this embodiment has a first switching chamber first flapper 411, a second switching chamber second flapper 412, a second switching chamber first A flapper 421 and a second switching chamber second flapper 422 are provided. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the second switching chamber flapper 412 are mounted on a partition at the back of the first switching chamber 5. The second switching chamber first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber second flapper 422 are mounted on 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 second switching chamber second flapper 412. The opening area of the second switching chamber first flapper 421 is larger than the opening area of the second switching chamber second flapper 422.

The second evaporator 14b is provided in the second evaporator chamber 8b substantially behind the first switching chamber 5, the second switching 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 turbo fan (backward-facing fan) that is a centrifugal fan, and its 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 via the freezing compartment return air path 120d, and returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b (below the second evaporator 14b). It exchanges heat with the evaporator 14b.

A first switching chamber return port 111c is formed in the lower part of the back surface of the first switching chamber 5. The cold air after cooling the first switching chamber 5 is discharged from the first switching chamber return port 111c, and passes through the freezer compartment return air path 120d to the second evaporator chamber 8b (below the second evaporator 14b). It returns to exchange heat with the second evaporator 14b again.

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

Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a second discharge port 111b for discharging cold air into the first switching chamber 5. This first switching chamber second discharge port 111b is formed on the left side surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27. Thereby, the cold air discharged from the second discharge port 111b of the first switching chamber 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 first switching chamber communication passage 111d that communicates the first switching chamber second discharge port 111b and the first switching chamber second flapper 412.

Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is provided with second switching chamber first discharge ports 112a, 112a that discharge cold air into the second switching chamber 6. The second switching chamber first discharge port 112a is formed to be elongated in the width direction (left-right section), and is located on the left side of the center in the width direction (opposite side in the left-right direction from the second switching chamber return port 112c). . Moreover, the second switching chamber first discharge port 112a is located above the center in the internal height direction.

Further, a second switching chamber second discharge port 112b is formed in the heat insulating partition wall 27 to discharge cold air into the second switching chamber 6. This second switching chamber second discharge port 112b is formed on the left side surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27. Thereby, the cold air discharged from the second discharge port 112b of the second switching chamber 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 path 112d that communicates the second switching chamber second outlet 112b and the second switching chamber second flapper 422.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of a main part taken along the line VV in FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 5, the second switching chamber 6 includes a second switching chamber return port 112c at the upper back surface. Air flowing in from the second switching chamber return port 112c flows through a second switching chamber return air passage 112e extending downward from the second switching chamber return port 112c, and is formed at a lower height position than the second switching 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 air path (second switching chamber return air path 112e) extending downward between the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f in this way, the second fan 9b When stopped, the low temperature air in the second evaporator chamber 8b becomes difficult to flow back into the second switching chamber 6. Thereby, the refrigerator 1 can be made such that a situation in which the second switching chamber 6 becomes too cold does not easily occur, especially when the second switching chamber 6 is set to the refrigeration temperature. Note that it is sufficient that there is an air path extending downward between the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f, so that the air flowing in from the second switching chamber return port 112c flows upward. It may also be configured so that the air flows toward the air path and then flows through an air path that extends downward. The purpose of this type of backflow suppression structure is to prevent the storage room from getting too cold, so it is not limited to the switching room, but also the refrigerator room, chilled room, or weak freezing room (i.e., the lower limit of storage is approximately -10°C or -7°C). (temperature chamber) and the evaporator chamber.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cooling air air passage structure.
As shown in FIG. 6, when the freezer compartment damper 103 is controlled to be in the open state, the air, which has become low temperature by exchanging heat with the second evaporator 14b, is transferred to the second fan 9b by driving the second fan 9b. The water in the ice tray of the ice making compartment 3 is sent to the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 via the two fan discharge air passage 12, the freezer compartment air passage 130, the ice making compartment outlet 120a and the freezing compartment outlet 120b, and the water in the ice tray of the ice making compartment 3 is The ice in the container 3b and the food stored in the freezer container 4b in the freezer compartment 4 are cooled. The air that has cooled the ice-making compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4 returns to the second evaporator compartment 8b (see FIG. 2) from the freezer compartment return port 120c via the freezer compartment return air path 120d, and is again connected to 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 is transferred to the second fan discharge air passage 12, the first switching chamber air passage 140, the first switching chamber into the first switching chamber container 5b provided in the first switching chamber 5 through the first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber first discharge ports 111a, 111a provided in the discharge port forming member 111 (see FIG. 4). The food in the first changing chamber container 5b is directly cooled. The air that has cooled the first switching chamber 5 flows through the first switching chamber return port 111c and the freezing chamber return air path 120d, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. Note that direct cooling is a method of cooling stored food by directly supplying cold air to it.

When the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber is controlled to be open, the air pressurized by the second fan 9b is transferred to the second fan discharge air passage 12, the first switching chamber air passage 140, the first switching chamber The second flapper 412 discharges water from the second discharge port 111b of the first switching chamber provided in the discharge port forming member 111 (see FIG. 4) toward the side wall of the first switching chamber 5, and inside the first switching chamber container 5b. indirectly cools food. The air that has cooled the first switching chamber 5 flows through the first switching chamber return port 111c and the freezing chamber return air path 120d, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. Note that indirect cooling is a method of cooling stored food by supplying cold air so that it does not 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 is transferred to the second fan discharge air passage 12, the second switching chamber air passage 150, the second switching chamber into the second switching chamber container 6b provided in the second switching chamber 6 through the first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber first discharge ports 112a, 112a provided in the discharge port forming member 112 (see FIG. 4). It is directly sent to cool the food in the second switching chamber container 6b. The air that has cooled the second switching chamber 6 flows through the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second switching chamber return air path 112d, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. .

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

Note that there is an evaporator chamber in which a low-temperature evaporator is stored (second evaporator chamber 8b in this embodiment), and an air passage (in this embodiment, second evaporator chamber 8b) through which air that has become low temperature by exchanging heat with the evaporator flows. fan discharge air path 12, freezing room air path 130, first switching room air path 140, second switching room air path 150), storage rooms maintained at freezing temperature (in this embodiment, ice making room 3, freezing room 4, the first switching chamber 5 when the temperature is set to the freezing temperature, the second switching chamber 6 when the temperature is set to the freezing temperature), the return air path from the storage chamber maintained at the freezing temperature (in this embodiment, the freezing chamber Since the return air passage 120d and the second switching room return air passage 112d when set to the freezing temperature are spaces that reach the freezing temperature, they will be referred to as freezing temperature spaces below. Moreover, in this embodiment, the first change room air passage 140 and the second cut humidification air passage 150 are configured by a damper duct member 300, which will be described later.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment includes a compressor 24, an external radiator 50a as a heat radiating means for radiating heat from the refrigerant, and a wall heat radiating pipe 50b (an area between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b). (disposed on the inner surface of the outer box 10a), the front surface of the insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30 (see FIG. 2), and the dew condensation prevention piping that suppresses dew condensation near the front edge of the insulating box body 10 (see FIG. 2) 50c (arranged on the inner surface of the heat insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30), a first capillary tube 53a and a second capillary tube 53b, which are depressurizing means for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, and the inside of the refrigerator by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air inside the refrigerator. It is equipped with a first evaporator 14a and a second evaporator 14b that absorb heat from the evaporator. The refrigerator 1 also includes a dryer 51 that removes moisture in the refrigeration 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, and a refrigerant control valve 52 that controls the refrigerant flow path. It is provided with a stop valve 56 and a refrigerant merging section 55 that connects the refrigerant flow. These are connected by refrigerant piping to form a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant is isobutane, a flammable refrigerant.

The refrigerant control valve 52 includes outlet ports 52a and 52b. In addition, the refrigerant control valve 52 operates in "state 1" in which the outflow port 52a is open and the outflow port 52b is closed, in "state 2" in which the outflow port 52a is closed and the outflow port 52b is open, and in the "state 2" in which the outflow port 52a and the outflow port are open. The valve can be switched to four states: "state 3" in which both the outlet ports 52b are closed, and "state 4" in which both the outlet ports 52a and 52b are open.

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

When the first evaporator 14a cools the refrigerator compartment 2, the refrigerant control valve 52 is controlled to "state 1" in which the refrigerant flows toward the outlet 52a. The refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 52a is depressurized by the first capillary tube 53a to become 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 section 57a that exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the refrigerant merging section 55, and returns to the compressor 24.

When the second evaporator 14b cools the ice making compartment 3, freezing compartment 4, first switching compartment 5, and second switching compartment 6, the refrigerant control valve 52 is set to “state 2” where the refrigerant flows toward the outlet 52b. Control. The refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 52b is depressurized by the second capillary tube 53b to a 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 into the second capillary tube 53b. The refrigerant flows in this order through the heat exchange section 57b, which exchanges heat with the refrigerant, the check valve 56, and the refrigerant merging section 55, and returns to the compressor 24. The check valve 56 is arranged to prevent the flow of refrigerant from the refrigerant confluence section 55 toward the second evaporator 14b.

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

The heat insulating partition wall 27 includes a front panel 210, a rear panel 220, and a foamed heat insulating material 230. Moreover, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is arranged so as to straddle the rear of the first switching chamber 5 (see FIG. 2) and the second switching chamber 6 (see FIG. 2). Note that the foamed heat insulating material 230 is made of polystyrene foam (styrene foam), can be foam-molded in advance, and is disposed between the front panel 210 and the rear panel 220. A vacuum insulation material may be provided instead of the foam insulation material 230. The foamed heat insulating material 230 includes an opening (not shown) in a region facing (overlapping in the front-rear direction) the openings 212, 214, 222, and 223 of the front panel 210 and the rear panel 220.

The front panel 210 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular plate portion 211 when viewed from the front. The front panel 210 also has a rectangular opening 212 with a large opening area formed at the top. Furthermore, an opening 213 having a smaller opening area than the opening 212 is formed in the front panel 210 near the opening 212 and facing the inner wall surface of the inner box 10b (see FIG. 4). This opening 213 is formed on the side surface of a protrusion 211a formed to protrude from the plate portion 211.

Further, in the front panel 210, a rectangular opening 214 having a large opening area is formed at the bottom of the plate portion 211. Further, in the front panel 210, an opening 215 having a smaller opening area than the opening 214 is formed near the opening 214 toward the inner wall surface of the inner box 10b (see FIG. 4). This opening 215 is formed on the side surface of a protrusion 211b formed to protrude from the plate portion 211.

Furthermore, a groove 216 into which the heat insulating partition wall 30 is fitted is formed in the plate portion 211 above the lower openings 214 and 215 and below the upper openings 212 and 213. The groove portion 216 is formed over the entire plate portion 211 from one end to the other end in the left-right direction. In this way, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is arranged on the back side of the switching chamber so as to straddle the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 which are arranged vertically.

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

Further, a discharge port forming member 111 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the front surface of the plate portion 211 so as to cover the opening 212. Furthermore, a discharge forming member 112 (see FIG. 4) is attached to the front surface of the plate portion 211 so as to cover the opening 214.

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

Further, the rear panel 220 has a freezer compartment return passage 120d extending in the vertical direction formed at the left end when viewed from the front side. This freezer compartment return flow path 120d communicates with a return communication path 224. Furthermore, a freezer compartment return port 120c is formed in the upper part of the rear panel 220 and communicates with the freezer compartment return flow path 120d.

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

In addition, the damper duct member 300 is formed with a rectangular opening 312a (air outlet) at a position corresponding to the opening 212 on the upper front surface, and a rectangular opening 312b (air outlet) at a position corresponding to the opening 213. . The opening area of the opening 312a is larger than that of the opening 312b.

Further, the damper duct member 300 is formed with a rectangular opening 312a (air outlet) at a position corresponding to the opening 214 at the lower front surface, and a rectangular opening 312b (air outlet) at a position corresponding to the opening 215. . The opening area of the opening 312a is larger than that of the opening 312b.

Further, the front panel 210 is provided with a surface heater H10 on the side corresponding to the first switching chamber 5. Further, in the rear panel 220, a surface heater H11 is provided on the inner wall of the freezer compartment return air passage 120d. Thereby, it is possible to prevent frost from adhering to the inside of the return flow path 41b. Further, the damper duct member 300 is provided with a surface heater H12 on the inner wall 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 blower fan 90.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the damper duct.
As shown in FIG. 9, inside the front case 310 of the damper duct member 300, a second fan 9b for pressurizing the surrounding air and damper members 410, 420, and 430 are attached. Each damper member includes a flapper and a drive unit that drives the flapper. Connect and separate.

The damper member 410 corresponds to the first switching chamber 5 (see FIG. 3). Further, the damper member 410 is a twin damper including a first flapper 411 in the first switching chamber and a second flapper 412 in the first switching chamber. Further, the damper member 410 is moved between the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber by one drive section 413 provided between the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. The chamber second flapper 412 is opened and closed. The first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber is formed larger than the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. Further, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 has a size that allows opening and closing of the opening 212 (see FIG. 8). Further, the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber has a size that allows opening and closing of the opening 213 (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. Further, the damper member 420 is a twin damper including a first flapper 421 in the second switching chamber and a second flapper 422 in the second switching chamber. Further, the damper member 420 includes a drive section 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 allows opening and closing of the opening 214 (see FIG. 8). The second switching chamber second flapper 422 has a size that allows opening and closing of the opening 215 (see FIG. 8).

The damper member 430 corresponds to the ice making compartment 3 (see FIG. 3) and the freezing compartment 4 (see FIG. 3). Further, the damper member 430 is a single damper including a flapper 431 (see FIG. 3). Further, the damper member 430 includes a damper frame 432 that supports a flapper 431 (see FIG. 3), and a drive section 433 that drives the flapper 431.

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.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the damper member. In addition, FIG. 10 is a perspective view seen from the front side (inside the refrigerator).
As shown in FIG. 10, the drive unit 413 includes a square box (housing) 413a, and an electric motor (not shown) and a gear member (not shown) are combined and housed inside the box 413a. There is. The box 413a is arranged in a space different from the switching chambers 5 and 6 as storage rooms, that is, in a space inside the damper duct member 300 as a discharge duct. Cold air at approximately the evaporator temperature flows through the space within the damper duct member 300.

Further, the box 413a includes a flapper support portion 413b extending toward the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber, and a flapper support portion 413c extending toward the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 is rotatably supported by the flapper support portion 413b. The first switching chamber second flapper 412 is rotatably supported by the flapper support portion 413c.

Moreover, the drive mechanism in the box 413a is configured so that the drive unit 413 can independently open and close the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. In other words, 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. It is configured so that it can be opened. Further, the drive unit 413 opens the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and closes the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber, and also closes the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and closes the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. It is configured so that it can be opened.

A screw fixing portion 413d for screwing the damper member 410 to the front case 310 (see FIG. 9) is formed in the flapper support portion 413b. A screw fixing portion 413e for screwing the damper member 410 to the front case 310 (see FIG. 9) is formed in the flapper support portion 413c. A screw fixing portion 413f for screwing the damper member 410 to the front case 310 (see FIG. 9) is formed in the box 413a. In addition to fastening or screwing with screws, etc., the damper member 410 can be fixed to the front case 310 in a biased or pressed state. This improves the close contact between the damper member 410 and the front case 310 and the parallelism of the flapper to the front case 310, which also functions as a contact portion of the flapper, making it easier to ensure airtightness when the flapper is closed. Furthermore, by using a fastening or screwing structure instead of an engagement structure such as a pawl, the damper duct member 300 of this embodiment, that is, the flappers 411, 412 does not require a frame on which the flappers 411, 412 come into contact and separate. It is easy to position the flappers 411 and 412 in the members that directly contact and separate from the case. It is preferable that the fastening and screwing structures are provided at a plurality of locations such as one side and the other side of each flapper 411, 412 as in this embodiment.

Among mounting structures using members different from the damper member 410 and the front case 310, a mode in which the above-mentioned urging or pressing is possible is preferable, but positioning can be easily performed to some extent by adhesion or welding. However, in this case, it is difficult to ensure parallelism to the front case 310 due to the adhesive used for adhesion or welding, so urging or pressing is preferable.

Further, the flapper support portion 413b may be integrally formed in advance in the front case 310 in a rotatable manner. However, in this case, it is relatively difficult to form and assemble the flapper and drive section to the flapper support section 413b, so urging or pressing is still preferable. The damper members 410, 420 may be single flappers having only one flapper.

The first switching chamber first flapper 411 includes a synthetic resin base material 411a (see FIG. 9) and a silicone rubber sealing material 411b coated on the surface of the base material 411a. . Further, the base material 411a is formed with protruding claws 411c at a plurality of locations. In the first switching chamber first flapper 411, the sealing material 411b is held on the base material 411a by inserting the claw 411c into a hole formed in the sealing material 411b.

The second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber includes a base material 412a made of synthetic resin (see FIG. 9) and a sealing material 412b made of silicone rubber coated on the surface of the base material 412a. . Further, the base material 412a is formed with protruding claws 412c at a plurality of locations. In the first switching chamber second flapper 412, the sealing material 412b is held on the base material 412a by inserting the claw 412c into a hole formed in the sealing material 412b.

The drive unit 413 has a surface 413g facing toward the first flapper 411 side of the first switching chamber, and an upper surface 413h (upper surface of the box) facing toward the second flapper 412 side of the first switching chamber. The upper surface 413g and the lower surface 413h are each rectangular planes. Further, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 has an elongated shape in which the vertical direction is longer than the horizontal direction. The first switching chamber second flapper 412 has a horizontally elongated shape that is longer in the left-right direction than in the up-down direction.

Moreover, the flapper support parts 413b and 413c are located closer to the front of the box 413a. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 is configured to rotate rearward along a surface 413g of the box 413a. The first switching chamber second flapper 412 is configured to rotate rearward along a surface 413h of the box 413a.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing the inside of the front case of the damper duct member.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the front case 310 has a substantially L-shaped plate portion 311a that is wide at the top and narrower at the bottom than the top. Side plate portions 311b that stand up toward the rear side (back side) are formed at the upper, lower, left, and right edges of the plate portion 311a.

Further, a second fan fixing part 311c to which a second fan 9b (see FIG. 9) is fixed is formed in the plate part 311a. A plurality of screw bosses 311d for screwing the second fan 9b are formed in the second fan fixing portion 311c. A second fan 9b is attached to this screw boss 311d via vibration-proof rubber. Further, a rectifying plate 311e that rectifies the flow in the discharge channel is formed on the plate portion 311a along the curved side plate portion 311b.

Further, the plate portion 311a includes a first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A to which a damper member 410 (see FIG. 9) is fixed, and a second switching chamber damper fixing portion 312B to which a damper member 420 (see FIG. 9) is fixed. is formed. Moreover, a freezer compartment damper fixing part 313 to which a damper member 430 is fixed is formed in the plate part 311a.

The first switching chamber damper fixing part 312A is configured to have a recess so as to be located forward of the second fan fixing part 311c. In other words, the first exchange chamber damper fixing part 312A is located on the front side (inner side of the refrigerator) than the second fan fixing part 311c. The second switching chamber damper fixing section 312B, like the first switching chamber damper fixing section 312A, is configured to have a recess so as to be located forward of the second fan fixing section 311c.

The first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A is formed with a rectangular opening (air outlet) 312a and a rectangular opening (air outlet) 312b. A rectangular frame-shaped contact portion 312c is formed on the edge of the opening 312a, with which the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 9) comes into contact. A rectangular frame-shaped contact portion 312d is formed on the edge of the opening 312b, with which the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 9) comes into contact.

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 (see FIG. 8). 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 (see FIG. 8). 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 (see FIG. 8). 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 (see FIG. 8).

The contact portion 312c is preferably formed to protrude rearward (toward the first change chamber first flapper 411 side) from a reference surface (bottom surface) 312s of the first change chamber damper fixing portion 312A. Further, the contact portion 312c is formed such that an upper side portion 312t (see FIG. 12) of the opening 312a and left and right side portions 312u, 312u (see FIG. 12) protrude from the surface 312s. Further, the contact portion 312c is configured such that the lower side portion 312v (see FIG. 12) of the opening 312a does not protrude from the surface 312s (to be flush with the surface 312s).

The contact portion 312d is formed to protrude rearward (to the side of the first switching chamber second flapper 412) from a reference surface (bottom surface) 312s of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A. Further, the abutting portion 312d is formed such that an upper side 312w (see FIG. 12), a lower side 312x (see FIG. 12), and left and right side portions 312y, 312y (see FIG. 12) of the opening 312a protrude from the surface 312. There is.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A has a rib 312e formed on the left side (right side in the figure) of the opening 312a and extending linearly in the vertical direction. 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 to have a length approximately equivalent to the height from the upper end to the lower end of the contact portion 312c. Thereby, the fixing surface (surface 312s) of the first switching chamber damper fixing part 312A is reinforced.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A has a rib 312f formed on the right side (left side in the figure) of the opening 312b and extending linearly in the vertical direction. The ribs 312f are composed of a plurality of ribs, for example, and are formed parallel to each other. Further, the rib 312f is formed to have a length approximately equal to the height from the upper end to the lower end of the contact portion 312d. Thereby, the fixing surface (surface 312s) of the first switching chamber damper fixing part 312A is reinforced.

Further, the first switching chamber damper fixing part 312A is formed with screw boss parts 312g, 312h, and 312i to which the damper member 410 (see FIG. 9) is fixed. These screw boss portions 312g, 312h, and 312i are formed at positions corresponding to screw fixing portions 413d, 413e, and 413f of the damper member 410 (see FIG. 10, fastened and attached members).

The second switching chamber damper fixing section 312B has the same configuration as the first switching chamber damper fixing section 312A, so the same reference numerals are given and redundant explanation will be omitted.

Freezer compartment damper fixing part 313 is located above second fan fixing part 311c. Moreover, the freezer compartment damper fixing part 313 is formed by a fixing plate 313a that fixes the damper frame 432 (see FIG. 9) standing up on the plate part 311a. This fixed plate 313a has a rectangular cutout 313b (see FIG. 11) through which cold air passes. Further, the freezer compartment damper fixing part 313 is formed with a fitting part 313c into which a driving part 433 (see FIG. 9) is fitted. Further, the freezer compartment damper fixing part 313 is formed with a recessed part 313d into which the damper retreats so that the damper does not obstruct the flow of cold air discharged from the second fan 9b when the damper of the damper member 430 is opened. ing.

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

Further, in the front case 310, screw insertion portions 311f and 311g into which screws are inserted are formed at the upper and central portions of the plate portion 311a in the vertical direction. Further, in the front case 310, a screw boss 311h for screw fixing is formed at the bottom of the plate portion 311a in the vertical direction. Since a fan and an opening opened and closed by a flapper are attached to the damper duct member 300, the air path can be formed with a small number of members. This reduces leakage and loss of circulating cold air. Since openings are provided on two or more different sides of the fan (the 411 side, the 421 side, and the 430 side), the length of the air path from the fan to each storage chamber 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 is formed in a substantially L-shape similarly to the front case 310 (see FIG. 11), and has a plate portion 321a disposed at a position facing the plate portion 311a. . Further, a side plate portion 321b corresponding to the side plate portion 311b of the front case 310 is formed in an upright manner on the plate portion 321a.

Furthermore, a circular introduction hole 321c is formed in the rear case 320 to introduce cold air generated by the second evaporator 14b (see FIG. 2). Further, in the rear case 320, an introduction path 321d for introducing cold air into the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 (see FIG. 3) is formed above the introduction hole 321c. The introduction path 321d becomes narrower toward the top, and has a fitting joint portion 321e that fits into the joint portion 314a (see FIG. 11) at the upper end.

Furthermore, screw bosses 321f and 321g are formed in the rear case 320 at positions corresponding to screw insertion portions 311f and 311g (see FIG. 11). Further, the rear case 320 has a screw insertion portion 321h formed at a position corresponding to the screw boss 311h (see FIG. 11).

The front case 310 and the rear case 320 configured in this manner are combined by fitting the side plate portion 311b (see FIG. 11) and the side plate portion 321b (see FIG. 13) (see FIG. 8).

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line XIV-XIV in FIG. 11.
As shown in FIG. 14, the front case 310 has a plate portion 310a having the above-described surface 312s. The surface (mounting surface) 312s of this plate portion 310a is inclined with respect to the up-down direction (vertical direction, direction of gravity) so that it is positioned forward as it goes from the upper side to the lower side (see line S1 in FIG. 14). ). As a result, the box 413a attached to the front case 310 is attached at an angle with respect to the horizontal, making it easier to drain moisture adhering to the top surface of the box 413a.

Cylindrical ribs 315 and 316 (ribs) are integrally formed on the plate portion 310a by resin molding. The cylindrical ribs 315, 316 are formed to extend forward from the edge of the opening 312a (on the inside of the refrigerator, on the side opposite to the first flapper 411 (see FIGS. 9 and 10) of the first switching chamber). This makes it possible to reduce deformation due to contact of the flapper, and to easily ensure airtightness due to the flapper.

The lower inner wall surface 315a of the cylindrical rib 315 is inclined (angle α) downward toward the front (inside the refrigerator) with respect to the horizontal plane (horizontal line) Hp. This makes it easy to drain even if water droplets adhere to it. Moreover, the upper inner wall surface 315b of the cylindrical rib 315 is formed along a substantially horizontal direction.

Further, in the plate portion 310a, a contact portion 312c (convex portion) is formed at the edge of the opening 312a and is convex toward the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 9). This contact portion 312c is formed in a convex shape toward the first switching chamber first flapper 411 side with respect to the reference surface 312s. In this embodiment, the upper side 312t and the left and right sides 312u, 312u (see FIG. 12) of the contact portion 312c are formed in a convex shape toward the first flapper 411 side of the first switching chamber. Furthermore, 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 way, the strength of the contact portion 312c with which the first switching chamber first flapper 411 comes into contact can be improved, and deformation due to the flapper contact can be prevented. By increasing the strength, it is possible to improve the sealing performance between the contact portion 312c and the silicone rubber sealing material 411b (see FIG. 10) of the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber.

In addition, 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 this, and instead of having a convex shape, It is also possible to have a thick plate portion formed such that .

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

Further, in the plate portion 310a, a contact portion 312d (convex portion) is formed at the edge of the opening 312b, and is convex toward the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 9). This contact portion 312d is formed in a convex shape toward the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (see FIG. 9) side with respect to the reference surface 312s. In this embodiment, the upper side 312w, the lower side 312x, and the left and right sides 312y, 312y (see FIG. 12) of the contact portion 312d are formed in a convex shape toward the second flapper 412 side of the first switching chamber. has been done. In other words, the contact portion 312d is formed such that the entire edge of the opening 312b is convex.

In addition, in this 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 this, and instead of having a convex shape, It is also possible to have a thick plate portion formed such that . This makes it possible to suppress deformation of the flapper when it comes into contact with the flapper.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken at the position of the air outlet. In addition, in FIG. 15, illustration of the connection structure between the opening 312b and the inside of the refrigerator is omitted.
The first switching chamber first flapper 411 shown in FIG. 15 is in a state where the opening 312a is fully closed, and the outer circumferential surface of the sealing material 411b abuts the contact portion 312c on the edge of the opening 312a, sealing the opening 312a. ing. Similarly, in the second switching chamber second flapper 412, the outer circumferential surface of the sealing material 412b contacts the abutting portion 312d of the edge of the opening 312b, thereby sealing the opening 312b.

The insulating partition wall 27 is fitted with a cylindrical rib 315 through an opening 222 in the back panel 220, an opening (not shown) in the foam insulation 230, and an opening 214 in the front panel 210. This can prevent cold air from leaking into, for example, unintended gaps between the rear panel 220, the foamed heat insulating material 230, and the front panel 210, and from leaking to unintended locations. That is, an unintended gap may occur between the rear panel 220, the foam insulation material 230, and the front panel 210, which are adjacent in the front and back, and this gap is between the two openings, that is, the openings 212, 222, 312a side and the openings 214, 223, and 312a sides can be connected. The cylindrical rib 315 also functions as a blocking portion that blocks the gap between these two opening sides. At this time, if the cylindrical rib 315 is provided on the damper duct member 300 (front case 310) as shown in this embodiment, the heater for heating the flapper can be easily arranged. On the other hand, when provided on the front panel 210 or the rear panel 220, the cylindrical rib 315 is provided from both the damper duct member and the panels 210 and 220 because it expands the air passage into a trumpet shape and easily contributes to cooling distribution within the storage room. Shape is also effective.

Further, a convex portion is formed on the outer circumference of the front end of the cylindrical rib 315, and is engaged with the front panel 210. A seal member 240 is provided between the cylindrical rib 315 and the front panel 210 to suppress leakage of cold air. Note that the seal member 240 is, for example, a sheet member made of soft urethane.

Further, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is attached to the front case 310 in an inclined state with respect to the vertical direction (vertical direction). In other words, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is inclined so that the lower side thereof is located in front of the upper side.

Further, the front surface 413s 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. Moreover, by arranging the first change room first flapper 411 in an inclined manner, the upper surface 413h of the box 413a is arranged in an inclined state. That is, the upper surface 413h 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 413h, ice will be generated, making it difficult to open and close the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. Therefore, by arranging the damper member 410 in an inclined manner and making the box 413a incline, it becomes possible to suppress water from accumulating on the upper surface 413h.

Furthermore, a heater H1 is provided on the outer surface of the front case 310 near the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber. Furthermore, a heater H2 is provided on the outer surface of the front case 310 near the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber. The heaters H1 and H2 are, for example, heat transfer wires covered with an aluminum sheet and sized appropriately. Moreover, the heaters H1 and H2 may be provided directly in the first switching chamber first flapper 411.

Further, the front case 310 is formed with an inclined surface 310b that descends toward the rear with respect to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, a heater H3 is provided on the outer surface of the inclined surface 310b of the front case 310. By providing the heater H3 on the outside of the front case 310, the flow of water inside is not obstructed.

By the way, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is arranged so as to straddle the first switching room 5 and the second switching room 6. The first switching room 5 and the second switching room 6 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 30. Further, it communicates with the inside of the refrigerator via an air passage provided behind the heat insulating partition wall 27 and damper members 410 and 420 provided in the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6, respectively. In the case of such a configuration, for example, when the first switching compartment 5 of the first switching compartment 5 and the second switching compartment 6 is cooled as a freezer compartment, the first switching compartment 5 is cooled by the second fan 9b. The pressurized cold air is blown, but there is a time period in which the second switching chamber 6 is not blown. During this time, the pressure in the first switching chamber 5 becomes higher than that in the second switching chamber 6. This allows cold air to flow from the high-pressure first switching chamber 5 to the low-pressure second switching chamber 6, for example, if cold air leaks along the air path or if an unintended gap is created in the insulating partition wall 30. may leak.

In the conventional configuration, when a damper (flapper) is supported by a frame (frame member) and attached to the back heat insulating partition wall, a high pressure difference causes damage to occur through the sealing material between the frame and the back heat insulating partition wall. There was a risk of cold air leaking. However, in this embodiment, the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber are directly attached to the damper duct member 300 (air path), thereby suppressing cold air leakage. .

As explained above, the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment includes the second evaporator chamber 8b that accommodates the second evaporator 14b, the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6, and the second evaporator chamber 8b. A damper duct member 300 including a first switching chamber 5 and a second switching chamber 6, a first flapper 411 and a first flapper 411 that can come into contact with and separate from the edges of the openings 312a and 312b of the damper duct member 300. A drive unit 413 that drives the switching chamber second flapper 412, the first switching chamber first flapper 411, and the first switching chamber second flapper 412, and the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412. The damper member 410, 420 includes flapper support parts 413b, 413c that connect the drive part 413, and a member to which the damper duct member 300 and the damper members 410, 420 are fastened and attached. According to this, it is possible to eliminate the need for the frame member that holds the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber and the second flapper 412 of the first switching chamber as in the past, so that the cold air from the part where the frame members are sealed due to the pressure difference is removed. Leakage can be suppressed.

Further, in this embodiment, the edges of the openings 312a, 312b of the damper duct member 300 are provided with cylindrical ribs 315, 316 (see FIG. 14). According to this, the strength of the openings 312a, 312b can be increased, and the flatness of the contact parts 312c, 312d with which the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the second switching chamber second flapper 412 come into contact can be increased. can. As a result, the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the second switching chamber second flapper 412 can be brought into close contact with the edges of the openings 312a, 312b, making it possible to more reliably suppress cold air leakage.

Further, in this embodiment, the heat insulation includes openings 212, 214, 222, 223 that are provided between the damper duct member and the first switching chamber 5 (second switching chamber 6) and open to the openings 312a, 312b of the damper duct member 300. It has a partition wall 27. The cylindrical rib 315 passes through each of the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300 and the openings 212, 214, 222, and 223 of the heat insulating partition wall 27 (see FIG. 15). According to this, unexpected leakage between the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300 and the openings 212, 214, 222, 223 of the heat insulating partition wall 27 can be prevented.

Moreover, this embodiment has a front panel 210 provided between the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6, and including an opening 212 that opens to the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300, The cylindrical rib 315 is in contact with the front panel 210 (see FIG. 15). According to this, unexpected leakage between the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300 and the openings 212, 214 of the heat-insulating partition B27 can be prevented.

Moreover, in this embodiment, the lower inner wall surface 315a of the cylindrical rib 315 is inclined downward as it goes toward the first switching chamber 5 (second switching chamber 6). According to this, it is possible to suppress water from accumulating inside the cylindrical rib 315. As a result, ice is generated between the first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the second switching chamber second flapper 412 and the contact portion 312c, and it is possible to suppress the ice from getting stuck. Leakage of cold air to the second switching chamber 6 can be suppressed.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the edge of the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300 is formed to be more convex (convex) or thicker than the area around the edge. According to this, the flatness of the contact portions 312c and 312d can be easily achieved.

Further, this embodiment has a heat insulating partition wall 27 including a foam heat insulating material 230, a front panel 210, and a rear panel 220, each of which has openings 212, 214, 222, and 223 that open to the opening 312a of the damper duct member 300. The damper duct member 300 and the heat insulating partition wall 27 are separate bodies (see FIG. 8). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 16, in the case where the width of the heat insulation partition wall 27A is different in the heat insulation partition duct plate 400A of refrigerators having different widths, it is possible to share (reuse) the damper duct member 300. Become. Furthermore, by configuring the damper duct member 300 in a housing separate from the heat insulating partition wall 27, leakage of the high-pressure cold air taken in from the second evaporator 14b can be more reliably suppressed.

Furthermore, this embodiment includes a box 413a that accommodates the drive unit 413, and the top surface of the box 413a is inclined when the damper member 410 is fastened to the damper duct member 300 (see FIG. 15). According to this, it is possible to prevent water generated during defrosting from accumulating on the upper surface 413h of the box 413a.

Although the present embodiment has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present embodiment is not limited to the above content at all, and includes various modifications. For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are configured and attached separately has been described as an example, but members corresponding to the rear panel 220 and the damper duct member 300 are integrally molded with resin. It may also be configured by

This application includes the following technical ideas.
[Appendix 1-1]
a cooler chamber containing a cooler;
storage room and
a duct provided between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber and including a flow path;
a flapper that can come into contact with and separate from the edge of the opening of the duct;
a damper member comprising: a drive section that drives the flapper; and a flapper support section that connects the flapper and the drive section;
A refrigerator comprising: a member to which the duct and the damper member are fastened, screwed together, pressed or urged.
[Appendix 1-2]
The refrigerator according to appendix 1-1, characterized in that the duct has a rib on the edge of the opening.
[Appendix 1-3]
a heat insulating material provided between the duct and the storage chamber and having an opening open to the opening of the duct;
The refrigerator according to appendix 1-2, wherein the rib passes through each of the opening of the duct and the opening of the heat insulating material.
[Appendix 1-4]
a front panel provided between the heat insulating material and the storage chamber and having an opening that opens to the opening of the discharge duct;
The refrigerator according to appendix 1-3, wherein the rib is in contact with the front panel.
[Appendix 1-5]
The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-2 to 1-4, wherein a lower inner wall of the rib is inclined downward toward the storage chamber.
[Appendix 1-6]
The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-5, wherein the edge of the duct opening is more convex or thicker than the area around the edge.
[Appendix 1-7]
The duct is a discharge duct through which cold air flows from the cooler chamber to the storage chamber,
The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-6, wherein the box is disposed within the discharge duct.
[Appendix 1-8]
a heat insulating partition wall comprising a heat insulating material and a panel each having an opening open to the opening of the duct;
The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-7, wherein the duct and the heat-insulating partition wall are separate bodies.
[Appendix 1-9]
The refrigerator according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1-1 to 1-8, wherein the top surface of the box fastened or screwed to the duct is inclined.
[Appendix 1-10]
a cooler chamber containing a cooler;
storage room and
a duct provided between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber and including a flow path;
a flapper that can come into contact with and separate from the edge of the opening of the duct;
a damper member comprising: a drive section that drives the flapper; and a flapper support section that connects the flapper and the drive section;
A refrigerator in which the duct and the damper member are bonded or welded together, or the flapper support portion is integrally formed with the duct.
[Appendix 2-1]
storage room and
a second storage room;
a panel or duct comprising an opening open to the storage chamber and a second opening opened to the second storage chamber;
a heat insulating material adjacent to the panel or the duct and having an opening open to each of the opening and the second opening;
A refrigerator comprising: a blocking part for a gap between the panels or the duct and the heat insulating material, which face each other.
[Appendix 2-2]
an evaporator chamber that accommodates an evaporator that supplies cool air to each of the opening and the second opening;
a flapper that opens and closes the opening;
a second flapper that opens and closes the second opening;
The refrigerator according to appendix 2-1, wherein the flapper and the second flapper are each independently drivable.
[Appendix 2-3]
The refrigerator according to appendix 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the blocking portion is a rib integrally formed or attached to the panel.
[Appendix 2-4]
The refrigerator according to appendix 2-1 or 2-2, wherein the blocking portion is a rib integrally formed or attached to the duct.

1 Refrigerator 5 First change room (storage room)
6 Second switching room (storage room)
8b Second evaporator room (cooler room)
9b Second fan 10 Insulating box 14b Second evaporator (cooler)
27 Heat insulation partition wall 400 Heat insulation partition duct plate 210 Front panel 212, 214 Opening 220 Rear panel 222, 223 Opening 230 Foam insulation material (insulation member)
300 Damper duct member (duct, discharge duct)
310 Front case 320 Rear case 312a, 312b Opening (duct opening)
312c, 312d Contact portion (convex portion)
312A First switching chamber damper fixing part 312B Second switching chamber damper fixing part 315, 316 Cylindrical rib (rib, blocking part)
315a, 316a Lower inner wall surface (inner wall surface)
410, 420 Damper member 411 First change room first flapper (flapper)
411b Sealing material 412 First change room second flapper (flapper)
412b Seal material 413b, 413c Flapper support portion 421 Second switching chamber first flapper (flapper)
422 Second switching room second flapper (flapper)
413 Drive part 413a Box 413d, 413e, 413f Screw fixing part (member to be fastened and attached)
413h side (top side of box)

Claims (8)

a cooler chamber containing a cooler;
storage room and
a duct provided between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber and including a flow path;
a damper member comprising a flapper that can come into contact with and separate from an edge of the opening of the duct, a drive section that drives the flapper, and a flapper support section that connects the flapper and the drive section;
A member for attaching the duct and the damper member by fastening, screwing, pressing or urging;
a fan that discharges cold air generated by the cooler from the opening of the duct;
having a cylindrical rib extending forward from the edge of the opening of the duct;
The duct is configured by combining a front case arranged on the front side and a rear case arranged on the back side,
In the refrigerator, the damper member and the fan are attached to an inner wall surface of the front case using the attachment member . a heat insulating material provided between the duct and the storage chamber and having an opening open to the opening of the duct;
The refrigerator according to claim 1 , wherein the rib passes through each of an opening in the duct and an opening in the heat insulating material. a front panel disposed between the heat insulating material and the storage chamber and having an opening that opens to the opening of the duct;
The refrigerator according to claim 2 , wherein the rib is in contact with the front panel. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein a lower inner wall of the rib is inclined downward toward the storage chamber. 5. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein an edge of the duct opening is more convex or thicker than a region around the edge. The duct is a discharge duct through which cold air flows from the cooler chamber to the storage chamber,
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 , wherein the drive unit is disposed within the discharge duct. a heat insulating partition wall comprising a heat insulating material and a panel each having an opening open to the opening of the duct;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , wherein the duct and the heat insulating partition wall are separate bodies. a box that accommodates the drive unit;
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the upper surface of the box is inclined in a state in which the damper member is fastened or screwed to the duct.

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