JP7391059B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

As a conventional cold/normal temperature storage, there is a technique described in Patent Document 1, for example. Patent Document 1 discloses that a cooling/heating device (Peltier element) is driven according to a temperature sensor installed inside the refrigerator to operate and stop the temperature inside the refrigerator at -5°C, 20°C, and 70°C. A technique has been disclosed (0015-0017).

Further, as another conventional example, there is a technique described in Patent Document 2. Patent Document 2 discloses a storage with an adiabatic structure that uses a compressor and can set a temperature of about 20°C, and more specifically, can maintain a constant temperature within 5°C to 20°C. .

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-249245 Utility model registration No. 3120407

Although Patent Document 1 allows the set temperature (target temperature) to be about 20°C, it does not focus on other preservation indicators depending on the set temperature, and since it uses a Peltier element, it is difficult to adjust anything other than temperature. .

Patent Document 2 only discloses that the set temperature that is to be kept constant as a storage room can range from 5°C to 20°C, and does not explain whether the set temperature can be changed in the first place and how it should be done depending on the changed temperature. It is unclear whether control will be changed. Additionally, the cooling configuration other than the compressor and fan is unknown.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a storage room capable of selecting a pantry mode in which the target temperature zone is a normal temperature zone, and a refrigeration mode in which the target temperature zone is a temperature zone lower than the pantry mode , and a compressor. , a cooler that forms frost by cooling, and an evaporation tray placed in the machine room that receives the defrosting water.
a blower fan that blows air from the cooler toward the storage room, and the pantry mode at least cools the cooler to below freezing point to form frost to lower humidity in the storage room, and the cooler defrosting water that has melted the frost adhering to the evaporator is sent to the evaporating dish, and the refrigeration mode is at least an off-cycle defrosting mode in which the compressor is stopped and the blower fan is operated while the compressor is stopped. By carrying out and making the storage room highly humid, the humidity in the storage room is made higher in the refrigerating mode than in the pantry mode.

It is an external perspective view of a refrigerator. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the refrigerator seen from the front left with the door open. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. FIG. It is a refrigeration cycle block diagram of a refrigerator. It is a control block diagram of a refrigerator. It is a flow chart showing operation in freezing mode. It is a flow chart showing operation in refrigeration mode. It is a flow chart showing operation of pantry mode. It is a time chart showing operation in freezing mode. It is a time chart showing operation in refrigeration mode. It is a time chart showing operation in pantry mode. It is a time chart showing the operation of off-cycle defrosting in refrigeration mode. It is a time chart showing the operation of off-cycle defrosting in pantry mode. It is a flowchart which shows the operation|movement at the time of switching from freezing mode to pantry mode. It is a time chart which shows the switching operation from freezing mode to pantry mode. It is a partial enlarged view of the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator seen from the rear (rear) side. FIG. 3 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Example 2. FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18; FIG. 19 is a front view of FIG. 18 with the door, container, and discharge port removed (omitted). It is a refrigeration cycle block diagram of a refrigerator.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Similar components are given the same reference numerals, and similar descriptions will not be repeated.

The various components of the present invention do not necessarily have to exist independently, and one component may be made up of multiple members, multiple components may be made of one member, or a certain component may be different from each other. It is allowed that a part of a certain component overlaps with a part of another component, etc.

Example 1 of the present invention will be described using the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the refrigerator, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line II--II in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the refrigerator seen from the front left with the door open, and FIG. 4 is a partially enlarged view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a refrigeration cycle configuration diagram of the refrigerator, and FIG. 6 is a control block diagram of the refrigerator. In each figure, each direction is defined as front, back, left, right, top, and bottom from the user's viewpoint, as indicated by arrows.

[Refrigerator configuration]
The refrigerator 100 has an outer shell made up of a box body 101 that is open at the front. A door 102 for opening and closing the opening is provided at the front of the box 101. The box body 101 is composed of a top plate 101a forming an upper part, a bottom plate 101b forming a bottom part, side plates 101c forming left and right sides, and a back plate 101d forming a back part. An inner box 103 is provided inside the box body 101. A foamed heat insulating material 140 (insulating material) such as foamed urethane is filled between the box body 101 and the inner box 103.

The storage chamber 104 formed by the inner box 103 is provided with a plurality of shelves 105a, 105b and a plurality of containers 105c, 105d, 105e in the vertical direction. The shelves 105a, 105b and the plurality of containers 105c, 105d, 105e contain, for example, meat, fish, vegetables, and drinks suitable for storage in the refrigerated temperature range, and raw rice and seasonings suitable for storage in the pantry temperature range. , foods such as frozen foods suitable for storage in the freezing temperature range are placed.

A plurality of inner box ribs 106 extending in the front-rear direction are formed on the inner surface of the inner box 103. The inner box ribs 106 are formed on both left and right walls of the inner box 103.

A machine room 150 is formed at the lower rear (back side) of the box body 101 and is recessed from the outside to the inside of the box body 101, and the machine room 150 is equipped with a compressor 107 that compresses refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 5, the compressor 107 includes a discharge pipe 120, a first heat radiation pipe 121, a second heat radiation pipe 122, a third heat radiation pipe 123, a dryer 124, a capillary tube 125, and a cooler 109 (evaporator). They are connected to form a refrigeration cycle, and the storage chamber 104 is cooled using the heat of vaporization. A high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 107 flows through the first heat radiation pipe 121, the second heat radiation pipe 122, and the third heat radiation pipe 123. For example, the first heat radiation pipe 121 is arranged on the back of the refrigerator to suppress dew condensation on the back of the refrigerator. The second heat radiation pipe 122 is arranged outside the inner box 103 and suppresses dew condensation inside the inner box 103. The third heat radiation pipe 123 is arranged inside the side plate 101c, and suppresses dew condensation on the side plate 101c. The high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant compressed by the compressor 107 passes through the first heat radiation pipe 121, the second heat radiation pipe 122, and the third heat radiation pipe 123, thereby radiating heat. The refrigerant discharged from the third heat radiation pipe 123 flows into the dryer 124, and moisture that has entered the pipe is removed. The refrigerant discharged from the dryer 124 flows through a capillary tube 125 serving as a pressure reducing section and becomes low temperature and low pressure. The refrigerant that has become low temperature and low pressure in the capillary tube 125 flows through the cooler 109, heat is exchanged between the cooler 109 and the air in the refrigerator 104, and the air is cooled. A discharge port 108 for blowing out cold air is formed in the inner box 103, and the cold air blown from the ventilation fan 110 is discharged into the storage chamber 104.

A defrosting heater 114 is provided below the cooler 109 to melt and remove frost adhering to the cooler 109.

A main control device 111 that controls the compressor 107 and the like is provided at the rear of the box 101. The main controller 111 controls the compressor 107 based on the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 installed in the storage room 104, for example.

The storage room 104 is also equipped with a temperature adjustment section 112 for the user to adjust the internal temperature. The temperature adjustment section 112 is equipped with a dial-type temperature adjustment volume 112a, as shown in FIG. In the refrigerator 100 of this embodiment, in addition to the refrigerated and frozen temperature ranges, a pantry (normal temperature storage) temperature range can be selected.

The refrigeration temperature range (refrigeration mode) may be set to one or more temperature ranges, but in this example, the chilled temperature range (0°C to +3°C) and the refrigeration temperature range (+6°C to +8°C) are used. ) can be set. In addition, it may be possible to set a stronger refrigeration temperature range (+3°C to +6°C). Thus, the lower limit of the set temperature can be, for example, 0°C, +3°C, or more than +6°C, and the upper limit can be +8°C, +6°C, or +3°C or less.

The freezing temperature range (freezing mode) may be set to one or more temperature ranges, but in this example, a strong freezing temperature range (approximately -22°C to -20°C), a weak freezing temperature range (approximately -22°C to -20°C) are used. It can be set to two settings (approximately -18°C to -16°C). Thus, the lower limit of the set temperature can be, for example, -22°C or -18°C or higher, and the upper limit can be -18°C or -20°C or lower.

The temperature range (pantry mode) of the pantry (stored at room temperature) may be set to one or more temperature ranges, but in this example, the temperature range of 15°C to 20°C is targeted. In this regard, it may be possible to set two or more temperature zones as the pantry temperature zone. The pantry temperature range can have a lower limit of 10°C, 12°C, or 15°C or higher, and an upper limit of 25°C, 22°C, 20°C, or 18°C or lower.

[Refrigerator control configuration]
The control configuration of refrigerator 100 will be explained using FIG. 6. An operation board 115 is connected to the main control device 111, and obtains information about the temperature adjustment volume 112a of the temperature adjustment section 112 set by the user. Further, an internal temperature sensor 113 is connected to the main control device 111 to detect the temperature of the storage room 104 . The main control device 111 is equipped with a central processing unit (CPU) and a storage device (not shown). The storage device stores a control program for controlling the compressor 107, the blower fan 110, the defrosting heater 114, etc., and the central processing unit stores information on the temperature adjustment volume 112a and information detected by the internal temperature sensor 113. Based on the temperature inside the refrigerator, the compressor 107, blower fan 110, defrost heater 114, etc. are controlled according to the control program.

[Freezing mode operation]
Next, the operation in the freezing mode will be explained using FIGS. 7 and 10. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in the freezing mode, and FIG. 10 is a time chart showing the operation in the freezing mode.

In FIG. 7, when the refrigerator 100 is powered on, the main controller 111 acquires information on the temperature adjustment volume 112a of the temperature adjustment section 112, and determines whether the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the freezing mode. (Step S701).

In step S701, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the freezing mode (Yes in step S701), the main controller 111 sets the threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for operating the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 to a thermostat. The ON temperature T1 (for example, -12°C in the deep freezing temperature range) is set, and the threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for stopping the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 is set to the thermo-OFF temperature T2 (in the deep freezing temperature range). If so, it is set to, for example, −18° C. (step S702).

In step S703, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is higher than the thermo ON temperature T1 (Yes in step S703), the main controller 111 operates the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 ( Step S704). When the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 start operating, the cooler 109 is cooled, the blower fan 110 blows cold air into the refrigerator, and the temperature inside the refrigerator decreases as shown in FIG. In step S703, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo ON temperature T1 (No in step S703), the main controller 111 repeats the operation of step S703.

In step S705, when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110, and the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes lower than the thermo-OFF temperature T2 (Yes in step S705). In step S706, the main controller 111 stops the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110.

In step S707, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time H1 (FIG. 10) has elapsed since the end of the previous defrosting operation. If the predetermined time H1 has passed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (Yes in step S707), the main controller 111 turns on the defrost heater 114 to apply heat to the frost attached to the cooler 109. , the defrosting operation is started (step S708). As shown in FIG. 10, when the defrosting operation starts, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually increases due to the heat from the defrosting heater 114. Therefore, before turning on the defrosting heater 114, the cooling operation may be performed until the internal temperature T0 is close to, for example, the thermo-OFF temperature T2.
In step S707, if the predetermined time H1 has not elapsed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (No in step S707), the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S701.

In step S709, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time M1 (FIG. 10) has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation. If the predetermined time M1 has passed since the start of the defrosting operation (Yes in step S709), the main controller 111 turns off the defrosting heater 114 and ends the defrosting operation (step S710). In step S709, if the predetermined time M1 has not passed since the start of the defrosting operation (No in step S709), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S709.

In step S710, when the defrosting operation ends, the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S701.

The main controller 111 executes the freezing mode as described above.

[Refrigerated mode operation]
Next, the operation in the refrigeration mode will be explained using FIGS. 8, 11, and 13. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation in the refrigeration mode, and FIG. 11 is a time chart showing the operation in the refrigeration mode. The time chart in FIG. 11 does not take into account off-cycle defrosting interruptions, which will be described later. That is, part or all of the defrost heater ON portion in FIG. 11 may be replaced by off-cycle defrost, which will be described later.

In step S701 of FIG. 7, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is not in the freezing mode (No in step S701), the main controller 111 proceeds to step S801 of FIG.

In step S801, the main controller 111 acquires information on the temperature adjustment volume 112a of the temperature adjustment unit 112, and determines whether the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the refrigeration mode.

In step S801, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the refrigeration mode (Yes in step S801), the main controller 111 sets the threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for operating the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 to a thermostat. The ON temperature is set to T3, and the threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for stopping the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 is set to the thermo-OFF temperature T4 (step S802). Note that the thermo ON temperature T3 in the refrigeration mode is higher than the thermo ON temperature T1 in the freezing mode, and the thermo OFF temperature T4 in the refrigeration mode is higher than the thermo OFF temperature T2 in the freezing mode.

In step S803, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is higher than the thermo ON temperature T3 (Yes in step S803), the main controller 111 operates the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 ( Step S804). When the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 start operating, the cooler 109 is cooled, the blower fan 110 blows cold air into the refrigerator, and the temperature inside the refrigerator decreases as shown in FIG. In step S803, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo ON temperature T3 (No in step S803), the main controller 111 repeats the operation of step S803.

In step S805, when the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110, and the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes lower than the thermo-OFF temperature T4 (Yes in step S805). Then, the main controller 111 stops the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 (step S806).

In step S807, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time H2 (FIG. 11) has elapsed since the end of the previous defrosting operation. If the predetermined time H2 has passed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (Yes in step S807), the main controller 111 determines whether or not to defrost the cooler 109 using the defrost heater 114 ( Step S808).

If it is determined in step S808 that the cooler 109 is to be defrosted by the defrost heater 114 (Yes in step S808), the main controller 111 turns on the defrost heater 114 to Heat is applied to the frost and defrosting operation is started (step S809). As shown in FIG. 11, when the defrosting operation starts, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually increases due to the heat from the defrosting heater 114. For this reason, before turning on the defrosting heater 114, the cooling operation may be performed until the internal temperature T0 is close to, for example, the thermo-off temperature T4.

In step S807, if the predetermined time H2 has not passed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (No in step S807), the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S801.

In step S810, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time M2 (FIG. 11) has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation. If the predetermined time M2 has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation (Yes in step S810), the main controller 111 turns off the defrosting heater 114 and ends the defrosting operation (step S811). In step S810, if the predetermined time M2 has not passed since the start of the defrosting operation (No in step S810), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S810.

In step S811, when the defrosting operation ends, the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S801.

In the refrigeration mode of this embodiment, unlike the freezing mode, instead of using the defrosting heater 114, the blower fan 110 is operated to perform off-cycle defrosting that sends air to the cooler 109. In off-cycle defrosting, the compressor 107 is stopped, the blower fan 110 is operated at the same time as the stop, or after a certain period of time, and then the blower fan 110 is stopped.

By driving the blower fan 110, the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by cold air generated from frost attached to the cooler 109. At that time, the defrosting heater 114 is preferably turned off. Since the frost adhering to the cooler 109 contains moisture, off-cycle defrosting also increases the humidity inside the refrigerator.

FIG. 13 is a time chart showing the off-cycle defrosting operation in the refrigeration mode.

If it is determined in step S808 in FIG. 8 that the cooler 109 is not to be defrosted by the defrost heater 114 (No in step S808), the main controller 111 executes off-cycle defrosting, and With the machine 107 stopped, the blower fan 110 is turned on (step S812) to blow air into the cooler 109. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, after a predetermined period of time has passed after the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 are stopped, the blower fan 110 is operated. Immediately after the compressor 107 and blower fan 110 are stopped, the temperature inside the refrigerator is lowered or maintained by the thermal energy inside the refrigerator, so after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the blower fan 110 is operated. When the blower fan 110 is operated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the frost attached to the cooler 109 is melted by the return cold air from inside the refrigerator, and the returned cold air is cooled accordingly and discharged into the refrigerator. In particular, as the amount of frost decreases, it becomes impossible to cool the air inside the refrigerator, causing the temperature inside the refrigerator to rise.

Then, in step S813, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes higher than the thermo-off temperature T4 (Yes in step S813), the main controller 111 stops the operation of the blower fan 110. (step S814). If the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo-off temperature T4 (No in step S813), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S813.

When the blower fan stops in step S814, the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S801.

The main controller 111 executes the refrigeration mode as described above.

[Pantry mode operation]
Next, the operation in pantry mode will be explained using FIGS. 9 and 12. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing operations in pantry mode, and FIG. 12 is a time chart showing operations in pantry mode.

In step S801 of FIG. 8, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is not in the refrigeration mode (No in step S801), the main controller 111 proceeds to step S901 of FIG.

In step S901, the main controller 111 acquires information on the temperature adjustment volume 112a of the temperature adjustment unit 112, and determines whether the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the pantry mode.

In step S901, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is in the pantry mode (Yes in step S901), the main controller 111 determines whether or not to switch from the freezing mode (step S902). That is, it is determined whether or not the mode was in the freezing mode immediately before being switched to the pantry mode. If the previous internal temperature T0 is, for example, lower than the upper limit temperature of the weak freezing temperature range (approximately -16° C. in this embodiment), it can be determined that the switching from the freezing mode has occurred.

In step S902, if it is determined that the switching is not from the freezing mode (No in step S902), the threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for operating the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 is set to the thermo ON temperature T5. The threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for stopping the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 is set to the thermo-off temperature T6 (step S903). The thermo ON temperature T5 in the pantry mode is higher than the thermo ON temperature T3 in the refrigeration mode, and can also be higher than the thermo OFF temperature T4 in the refrigeration mode. Further, the thermo-off temperature T6 in the pantry mode is higher than the thermo-off temperature T4 in the refrigeration mode.

In step S904, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is higher than the thermo ON temperature T5 (Yes in step S904), the main controller 111 operates the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 ( Step S905). When the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 start operating, the cooler 109 is cooled, the blower fan 110 blows cold air into the refrigerator, and the temperature inside the refrigerator decreases as shown in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, since there is only one capillary tube 125, even in the pantry mode, the cooler 109 is cooled to a temperature lower than the thermo-off temperature T2, which is the lower limit of the freezing temperature range. Since the temperature of the cooler 109 reaches below freezing in this way, the moisture in the air inside the refrigerator adheres to the cooler 109 as frost, and the humidity inside the refrigerator can be lowered. To this extent, two or more capillary tubes may be prepared and switched to different ones in the pantry mode or other modes. As a method of switching, for example, a known refrigerant switching valve (fluid switching valve) can be used to construct a refrigeration cycle that can selectively switch between a plurality of capillary tubes.

In step S904, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo ON temperature T5 (No in step S903), the main controller 111 repeats the operation of step S904.

In step S906, the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110, and the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes lower than the thermo-OFF temperature T6 (Yes in step S906). Then, the main controller 111 stops the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 (step S907).

In step S908, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time H3 (FIG. 12) has elapsed since the previous defrosting operation ended. If the predetermined time H3 has passed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (Yes in step S908), the main controller 111 determines whether or not to defrost the cooler 109 using the defrosting heater 114 ( Step S909).

In step S909, if it is determined that the cooler 109 is to be defrosted by the defrost heater 114 (Yes in step S909), the main controller 111 turns on the defrost heater 114 to remove the Heat is applied to the frost and defrosting operation is started (step S910). As shown in FIG. 12, when the defrosting operation starts, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually increases due to the heat from the defrosting heater 114.

In step S908, if the predetermined time H3 has not elapsed since the end of the previous defrosting operation (No in step S908), the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S901.

In step S911, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time M3 (FIG. 12) has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation. If the predetermined time M3 has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation (Yes in step S911), the main controller 111 turns off the defrosting heater 114 and ends the defrosting operation (step S912). In step S911, if the predetermined time M3 has not passed since the start of the defrosting operation (No in step S911), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S911.

In step S912, when the defrosting operation ends, the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S901.

In the pantry mode of this embodiment, off-cycle defrosting may be made possible as in the refrigeration mode.

FIG. 14 is a time chart showing off-cycle defrosting operation in pantry mode.

In step S909 of FIG. 9, if it is determined that the cooler 109 is not defrosted by the defrost heater 114 (No in step S909), the main controller 111 executes off-cycle defrosting, and With the machine 107 stopped, the blower fan 110 is turned on (step S913) to blow air into the cooler 109. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, after a predetermined period of time has passed after the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 are stopped, the blower fan 110 is operated. Immediately after the compressor 107 and blower fan 110 are stopped, the temperature inside the refrigerator is lowered or maintained by the thermal energy inside the refrigerator, so after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the blower fan 110 is operated. When the blower fan 110 is operated after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the frost adhering to the cooler 109 melts and the temperature inside the refrigerator increases.

Then, in step S914 , if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes higher than the thermo-off temperature T6 (Yes in step S914), the main controller 111 operates the blower fan 110. is stopped (step S915). If the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo-off temperature T6 (No in step S914), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S914.

In step S915, when the blower fan stops, the main controller 111 repeats the operations from step S901.

Further, in step S901, if the temperature adjustment volume 112a is not in the pantry mode (No in step S901), the operations from step S701 are repeated.

The main controller 111 executes the pantry mode as described above. In addition, in step S902, the operation at the time of switching from freezing mode to pantry mode (Yes in step S902) will be described later.

[Comparison of off-cycle defrost in refrigeration mode and pantry mode]
Off-cycle defrosting in refrigeration mode and pantry mode will be explained using FIGS. 13 and 14.

As described above, in off-cycle defrosting, the compressor 107 is stopped, the blower fan 110 is operated, and the inside of the refrigerator is cooled with cold air generated from frost attached to the cooler 109. Since the frost adhering to the cooler 109 contains moisture, off-cycle defrosting also increases the humidity inside the refrigerator.

Pantry mode uses the normal temperature range as the target temperature range. On the other hand, the target temperature range for the refrigeration mode is lower than that for the pantry mode.

In pantry mode, the temperature difference between the refrigerator and the outside is small, so the amount of heat leaking inside the refrigerator is smaller than in refrigeration mode. Therefore, in the pantry mode, the temperature rise is smaller than in the refrigeration mode, and the time from the end of off-cycle defrosting to the start of operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 can be lengthened.

Furthermore, when comparing the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode for a predetermined period of time, for example, one day (24 hours), the number (frequency) and/or total time of off-cycle defrosting in the refrigeration mode is different from the off-cycle defrosting time in the pantry mode. It is controlled to be greater and/or longer than the number (frequency) and/or total time of defrosting. By doing so, the humidity inside the refrigerator in the refrigeration mode is higher than the humidity inside the refrigerator in the pantry mode. For example, this may be done by adjusting the selection frequency of the step of selecting defrosting by the defrosting heater 114 or defrosting by an off-cycle in each of the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode, or The off-cycle defrosting time in the pantry mode may be shortened by setting the frosting end timing to a temperature lower than the thermo-off temperature T6. Along with these adjustments, in the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode, the defrosting time by the defrosting heater 114 can be changed as appropriate to ensure that defrosting is sufficiently completed. If the frost can be completely melted naturally during the time when the compressor is turned off and the internal fan is turned off after the off-cycle ends, it is fine. In this embodiment, the control time and temperature threshold are set in advance so that the humidity relationship in the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode satisfies the above conditions. The humidity may be controlled to be higher than the internal humidity in the pantry mode. As described above, this control can be performed by appropriately changing whether to perform heater defrosting or off-cycle defrosting during defrosting, or changing the timing at which off-cycle defrosting is performed. A temperature sensor may be further provided near the cooler 109 in order to determine with high accuracy whether the humidity can be increased by executing off-cycle defrosting.

In the refrigeration mode, the humidity inside the refrigerator can be made high, so it is possible to provide an environment suitable for storing vegetables, side dishes, etc. On the other hand, in the pantry mode, the humidity inside the refrigerator can be lowered, so it is possible to provide an environment suitable for storing rice, etc.

[Comparison of heater defrosting in refrigeration mode and pantry mode]
The operation of the defrosting heater in the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode will be explained using FIGS. 11 and 12.

In pantry mode, the temperature difference between the refrigerator and the outside is small, so the amount of heat leaking inside the refrigerator is smaller than in refrigeration mode. Therefore, in the pantry mode, the temperature rise is smaller than in the refrigeration mode, and the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 are operated less frequently.
In pantry mode, the operating frequency (operating time) is lower than in refrigeration mode, so power consumption is also lower. Furthermore, the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrosting heater is also small.

When comparing refrigeration mode and pantry mode over a given period of time, for example, one day (24 hours), the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrost heater in refrigeration mode is approximately 1 or more, while that in pantry mode is approximately 1 or more. The number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the frost heater is about 1 or less, and the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrosting heater in the refrigeration mode is greater than the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrosting heater in the pantry mode.

Since power consumption increases while the defrosting heater is in operation, in order to reduce power consumption, it is better to use the defrosting heater for less time. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrosting heater in the pantry mode is set lower than the number of times (frequency) of defrosting by the defrosting heater in the refrigeration mode, and the usage time of the defrosting heater is reduced. Therefore, power consumption in pantry mode can be reduced.

[Switching from frozen mode to pandory mode]
The switching operation from freezing mode to pantry mode will be explained using FIGS. 15 and 16. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation when switching from freezing mode to pantry mode, and FIG. 16 is a time chart showing the operation when switching from freezing mode to pantry mode.

In the freezing mode, the target temperature zone is a temperature zone lower than the refrigeration temperature zone.

In step S902 of FIG. 9, the main controller 111 determines whether the switching from the freezing mode is to be performed.

In step S902, if the mode has been switched from the freezing mode (Yes in step S902), the main controller 111 sets the threshold of the internal temperature sensor 113 for operating the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 to the thermo ON temperature T5. The threshold value of the internal temperature sensor 113 for stopping the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 is set to the thermo-off temperature T6 (step S916).

In step S917, if the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is higher than the thermo ON temperature T5 (Yes in step S917), the main controller 111 operates the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 ( Step S918). In step S917, when the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 is lower than the thermo ON temperature T5 (No in step S917), the main controller 111 repeats the operation of step S917.

In step S919, the inside of the refrigerator is cooled by the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110, and the internal temperature T0 detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 becomes lower than the thermo-OFF temperature T6 (Yes in step S919). Then, the main controller 111 stops the operation of the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 (step S920).

In step S921, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time H4 (FIG. 16) has elapsed since switching from freezing mode to pantry mode. If the predetermined time H4 has passed since the switching from the freezing mode to the pantry mode (Yes in step S921), the main controller 111 turns on the defrosting heater 114 to apply heat to the frost attached to the cooler 109. is added, and defrosting operation is started (step S922). As shown in FIG. 16, when the defrosting operation starts, the temperature inside the refrigerator gradually increases due to the heat of the defrosting heater 114.

In step S923, the main controller 111 determines whether a predetermined time M4 (FIG. 16) has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation. If the predetermined time M4 has elapsed since the start of the defrosting operation (Yes in step S923), the main controller 111 turns off the defrosting heater 114 and ends the defrosting operation (step S924). In step S923, if the predetermined time M4 has not passed since the start of the defrosting operation (No in step S923), the main controller 111 repeats the operation in step S923.

According to this embodiment, when switching from freezing mode to pantry mode, the timing for defrosting is counted from after switching to pantry mode, so the defrosting heater does not operate more than necessary. Power consumption can be reduced.

[Thickness of insulation material]
As shown in FIG. 2, a foamed heat insulating material 140 is filled between the box body 101 and the inner box 103. The foam insulation material 140 is filled in the ceiling, rear, bottom, and left and right sides of the refrigerator. At the rear of the lower part of the refrigerator 100, there is a machine room 150 that houses the compressor 107, etc., and the foam insulation material 140 filled at the rear of the refrigerator avoids the machine room 150 and is placed between the front of the machine room 150 and the inner box 103. Filled between.

Here, paying attention to the thickness of the foam insulation material 140 filled in the ceiling part and in front of the machine room 150, in this embodiment, the thickness D1 of the foam insulation material 140 in the ceiling part is (D1>D2). When comparing the insulation performance under similar conditions, the thicker the insulation material, the better the insulation performance. In this embodiment, the thickness D2 of the foam insulation material 140 in front of the machine room 150 is thinner than the thickness D1 of the foam insulation material 140 in the ceiling. There is a large amount of heat entering. For this reason, the temperature on the bottom side of the refrigerator becomes higher than the ceiling side, creating a temperature difference between the two, creating a natural convection in which cool air flows from the ceiling side toward the bottom side, making the inside of the refrigerator more efficient. Can be cooled. In this regard, a vacuum heat insulating material or the like may be provided only on the ceiling side to improve the heat insulation performance compared to that in front of the machine room 150.

[Machine room configuration]
The configuration of the machine room will be explained using FIGS. 2 and 17. FIG. 17 is a partially enlarged view of the machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator, viewed from the rear (back) side.

A machine room 150 is formed at the lower rear (back side) of the box 101, and the machine room 150 is equipped with a compressor 107 that compresses refrigerant. As shown in FIG. 2, a defrost heater 114 is provided above the compressor 107, and a cooler 109 is further provided above the defrost heater 114.

When the defrosting heater 114 is energized and heated, the frost adhering to the cooler 109 is melted and water droplets fall downward. In order to receive these water droplets, an evaporating dish 151 is installed above the compressor 107 in this embodiment. Although it is possible to install a heater or the like in the evaporating dish 151 and evaporate it using the heat generated by the heater, in this embodiment, the heater or the like is not used, and the evaporation is performed using the heat generated by the compressor 107 being driven. In order to promote the evaporation of water accumulated in the evaporating dish 151, for example, when the temperature detected by the internal temperature sensor 113 detects the set temperature for thermo-OFF while the compressor 107 and the blower fan 110 are operating, the blower fan 110 Alternatively, the compressor 107 may be continuously operated for a predetermined period of time, and may be stopped after the blower fan 110 is stopped. By operating in this manner, the heat of the compressor 107 can promote the evaporation of water accumulated in the evaporating tray 151.

Further, the rear (back surface) of the machine room 150 is open outward and is not covered with a cover. In this embodiment, the evaporating dish 151 is removable from the machine room 150. For example, if the water accumulated in the evaporating dish 151 cannot be sufficiently evaporated, the user may take out the evaporating dish 151 from the open part of the machine room 150 and discard the water accumulated in the evaporating dish 151. . Further, a sensor may be installed in the machine room 150 to detect water accumulated in the evaporating dish 151, and a notification may be given when the water in the evaporating dish 151 reaches a predetermined amount. When there is a notification, the user takes out the evaporating dish 151 from the rear of the machine room and discards the water accumulated in the evaporating dish 151. As a mode of leaving the refrigerator alone, the refrigerator may output sound and light, or the refrigerator may be separately equipped with a wireless communication function and transmitted to the user's mobile terminal.

Example 2 of the refrigerator according to the present invention will be described. 18 is a front view of the refrigerator according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along line XIX-XIX in FIG. 18. In Example 1, an example of a one-door type refrigerator was shown, but in Example 2, an example of a six-door type refrigerator was shown.

As shown in FIG. 18, the box 10 of the refrigerator 300 has storage compartments arranged in order from above: a refrigerator compartment 2, an ice-making compartment 3 and a freezing compartment 4 installed on the left and right sides, a first switching compartment 5, and a second switching compartment 6. have. Refrigerator 300 includes doors that open and close the openings of each storage compartment. These doors are divided into left and right rotary refrigerator doors 2a and 2b that open and close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 2, an ice making compartment 3, a freezer compartment 4, a first switching compartment 5, and a second switching compartment 6. These are a pull-out ice making compartment door 3a, a freezer compartment door 4a, a first switching compartment door 5a, and a second switching compartment door 6a, each of which opens and closes. The interior material of these multiple doors is primarily composed of urethane.

A display section 201 is provided on the door 2a. In order to fix the doors 2a and 2b to the refrigerator 300, door hinges (not shown) are provided at the upper and lower parts of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the upper door hinge is covered with a door hinge cover 16.

The ice-making compartment 3 and the freezer compartment 4 are frozen storage compartments whose interiors are kept within the freezing temperature range (below 0°C), for example, at an average temperature of -18°C. (above)), for example, a refrigerated storage room kept at an average temperature of about 4°C. The first switching room 5 is a switching storage room that can be set to a freezing temperature range or a refrigeration temperature range. The second switching chamber 6 is a storage chamber that can be set to a freezing temperature, a refrigerating temperature, or a normal temperature (normal temperature). In this embodiment, for example, it is possible to switch between a refrigeration mode where the temperature is kept at about 4°C on average and a freezing mode where the temperature is kept at about -20°C on average. Furthermore, in the second switching chamber 6, in addition to the above, a normal temperature of 10° C. to 20° C. 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. "RR" mode, where the first switching chamber 5 and second switching chamber 6 are set to the freezing temperature and normal temperature, respectively, and "FN" mode, where the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are set to the refrigerating temperature, respectively. It is possible to select from among "RN" modes in which the temperature is set to normal temperature. A "NN" mode may be prepared in which the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are each set to normal temperature.

As shown in FIG. 19, the refrigerator 300 has a box body 10 formed by filling a foam insulation material (for example, foamed urethane) between an outer box 10a made of a steel plate and an inner box 10b made of a synthetic resin. The outside and inside of the warehouse are separated. In addition to the foam insulation material, vacuum insulation materials 25e and 25f with relatively low thermal conductivity are mounted in the box body 10 between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b, so that the food storage volume is not reduced. Improves insulation performance. Here, the vacuum insulation material is constructed by wrapping a core material such as glass wool or urethane with an outer wrapping material. The outer packaging material includes a metal layer (for example, aluminum) to ensure gas barrier properties. Further, each surface of the vacuum heat insulating material is generally formed to have a flat surface shape for ease of manufacture.

In this embodiment, the insulation performance of the refrigerator 300 is improved by providing a vacuum insulation material on the back and lower part of the box 10 (vacuum insulation materials 25e, 25f) and on both sides of the box 10.

The refrigerator compartment 2, the ice making compartment 3, and the freezing compartment 4 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 28. Further, the ice making compartment 3 and the freezing compartment 4 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. Further, behind the first switching chamber 5, there is a freezing cooler 14b (refrigeration evaporator) and its surrounding air passages (freezing cooler chamber 8b, freezer compartment air passage 12, and freezer compartment return air passage 12d). A heat insulating partition wall 27 is provided between the first switching chamber 5 and the freezing cooler 14b and its surrounding air passage.

By providing a plurality of door pockets and a plurality of shelves on the inside of the refrigerator compartment doors 2a and 2b, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 is divided into a plurality of storage spaces. The ice-making compartment door 3a, the freezer compartment door 4a, the first switching compartment door 5a, and the second switching compartment door 6a include an ice-making compartment container 3b, a freezer compartment container 4b, a first switching compartment container 5b, and a second switching compartment that are pulled out as one unit. It is equipped with a chamber container 6b.

A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 41, a freezer compartment temperature sensor 42, and a first switching compartment temperature sensor (not shown) are installed on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 2, freezer compartment 4, first switching compartment 5, and second switching compartment 6, respectively. ), a second switching room temperature sensor (not shown) is provided, a refrigerating cooler temperature sensor 40a is provided on the upper part of the refrigerating cooler 14a (refrigerating evaporator), and a second switching room temperature sensor 40a is provided on the upper part of the refrigerating cooler 14a (refrigerating evaporator), and a second switching room temperature sensor (not shown) is provided on the upper part of the refrigerating cooler 14a (refrigerating evaporator). A cooler temperature sensor 40b is provided, and these sensors detect the temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 4, the first switching compartment 5, the second switching compartment 6, the refrigerator cooler 14a, and the freezing cooler 14b. ing. Furthermore, an outside air temperature sensor 46 and an outside air humidity sensor 47 are provided inside the door hinge cover 16 on the ceiling of the refrigerator 300 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.

At the top of the refrigerator 300, a control board 31 is disposed, which includes a CPU, memory such as ROM and RAM, an interface circuit, etc., which are part of the control device. The control board 31 also includes an outside air temperature sensor 46, an outside air humidity sensor 47, a refrigerator room temperature sensor 41, a freezer room temperature sensor 42, a first switching room temperature sensor, a second switching room temperature sensor, and a refrigerator cooler temperature sensor 40a. , and is connected to a freezing cooler temperature sensor 40b and the like by electrical wiring (not shown).

The control board 31 controls the compressor 58, the refrigerating blower fan 9a, the freezing blower fan 9b, and each damper (not shown) based on the output values of each sensor, the settings of the operating section 200, the program recorded in advance in the ROM, etc. ), a refrigerant control valve (not shown), and a display section 201.

FIG. 20 is a front view of FIG. 18 with the door, container, and discharge port removed (omitted). FIG. 21 is a configuration diagram of the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator.
As shown in FIG. 21, the compressor 58 includes a condenser 161, a first heat radiation pipe 162, a second heat radiation pipe 163, a dryer 164, a three-way valve 165, a capillary tube 166 for the refrigerator compartment, a cooler 14a for the refrigerator, and a freezer. A capillary tube 167 and a freezing cooler 14b are connected.

The high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant compressed by the compressor 58 radiates heat through the condenser 161, the first heat radiation pipe 162, and the second heat radiation pipe 163, and becomes a liquid refrigerant at room temperature and high pressure.
The refrigerant discharged from the second heat radiation pipe 163 flows into the dryer 164, and moisture that has entered the pipe is removed. The refrigerant discharged from the dryer 164 is selectively branched into one direction by a three-way valve 165. That is, the refrigerant may flow through the refrigerating compartment capillary tube 166 as a pressure reducing section and become low temperature and low pressure. In this case, the refrigerant that has become low temperature and low pressure in the refrigerator compartment capillary tube 166 flows through the refrigerator cooler 14a, and heat is exchanged between the refrigerator cooler 14a and the air in the refrigerator cooler compartment 8a, thereby cooling the air. . In addition, the liquid may flow through the freezing capillary tube 167 as a pressure reducing part and become low temperature and low pressure. The refrigerant that has become low temperature and low pressure in the freezing capillary tube 167 flows through the freezing cooler 14b, and heat is exchanged between the freezing cooler 14b and the air in the freezing cooler chamber 8b, thereby cooling the air. The three-way valve 165 may be configured to simultaneously flow the refrigerant to both the refrigerator compartment capillary tube 166 side and the freezing compartment capillary tube 167 side. The temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the freezing cooler 14b is lower than the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cooler 14a.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the air (cold air) that has become low temperature by exchanging heat with the refrigeration cooler 14a is transferred to the refrigeration room by the refrigeration fan 9a installed above the refrigeration cooler 14a. Air is blown into the refrigerator compartment 2 through the passage 11 and the refrigerator compartment discharge port 11a, thereby cooling the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2. Here, the form of the refrigerating blower fan 9a is a turbo fan which is a centrifugal fan. The air blown into the refrigerator compartment 2 returns to the refrigerator cooler compartment 8a through the refrigerator compartment return port 15a (see FIG. 19) and the refrigerator compartment return port 15b (see FIG. 20), and is cooled again by the refrigerator cooler 14a. Ru.

The refrigerator compartment discharge port 11a of the refrigerator compartment 2 is provided in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment 2, and in this embodiment, it is provided so that air is discharged above the topmost shelf and the second shelf from the top. Further, the refrigerator compartment return ports 15a and 15b are provided at the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment return port 15b is provided at the second stage from the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 2, and the refrigerator compartment return port 15a is provided at the second stage from the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 2. It is provided approximately at the back of the indirect cooling chamber 36 at the lowest stage.

In addition, the air (cold air) that has become low temperature by exchanging heat with the freezing cooler 14b is transferred to the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 by the freezing ventilation fan 9b provided above the freezing cooler 14b. The air is blown to cool the inside of the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6. Air blowing to the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 can be adjusted by a well-known damper (not shown). In this embodiment, by switching the dampers, the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 can be switched to the above-mentioned "FF" mode, "RF" mode, "FR" mode, "RR" mode, "FN" mode, " You can switch to RN mode.

When the pressure reduction strength of the refrigerator compartment capillary tube 166 is adjusted so that the temperature of the refrigerator cooler 14a is below freezing, the cold air from the refrigerator cooler 14a is blown to the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6. May be used.

This embodiment is characterized in that the second switching chamber 6 located at the bottom of the refrigerator is provided with a mode for keeping the temperature at normal temperature. When the second switching chamber 6 is set to the mode of keeping it at normal temperature, the temperature of the first switching chamber 5 located above the second switching chamber 6 is higher than that of the second switching chamber 6. Natural convection, where air flows from above to below, is facilitated.

In this embodiment, the temperature inside the second switching chamber 6 can be made uniform by natural convection.

In the second embodiment, the operation of the freezing mode in the second switching chamber 6, the operation of the refrigeration mode, the operation of the pantry mode, the off-cycle defrosting of the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode, the heater defrosting of the refrigeration mode and the pantry mode, and the freezing mode The operation of switching from to Pandori mode is the same as in the first embodiment.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications. The embodiments described above are described in detail to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described.

2...Refrigerating room, 2a, 2b...Refrigerating room door, 3...Ice making room, 3a...Ice making room door, 3b...Ice making room container, 4...Freezing room, 4a...Freezing room door, 4b...Freezing room container, 5...th All switching room, 5a...First switching room door, 5b...First switching room container, 6...Second switching room, 6a...Second switching room door, 6b...Second switching room container, 8a...Refrigerating cooler room , 8b... Refrigeration cooler room, 9a... Refrigeration blower fan, 9b... Freezer blower fan, 10... Box body, 10a... Outer box, 10b... Inner box, 11... Refrigerator room air path, 11a... Refrigerator room discharge Outlet, 12... Freezer room air path, 12d... Freezer room return air path, 14a... Refrigeration cooler, 14b... Freezer cooler, 15a... Refrigerator room return port, 15b... Refrigerator room return port, 16... Door hinge cover, 25e, 25f...Vacuum insulation material, 27,28,29,30...Insulating partition wall, 31...Control board, 36...Indirect cooling chamber, 40a...Refrigerating cooler temperature sensor, 40b...Freezing cooler temperature sensor, 41 ... Refrigerator room temperature sensor, 42... Freezer room temperature sensor, 46... Outside air temperature sensor, 47... Outside air humidity sensor, 58... Compressor, 100... Refrigerator, 101... Box body, 101a... Top plate, 101b... Bottom plate, 101c... Side plate, 101d... Back plate, 102... Door, 103... Inner box, 104... Storage room, 105a... Shelf, 105b... Shelf, 105c, 105d, 105e... Container, 106... Inner box rib, 107... Compressor, 108... Discharge port, 109...Cooler, 110...Blower fan, 111...Main controller, 112...Temperature adjustment unit, 112a...Temperature adjustment volume, 113...Interior temperature sensor, 114...Defrosting heater, 115...Operation board, 120...Discharge pipe, 121...First heat radiation pipe, 122...Second heat radiation pipe, 123...Third heat radiation pipe, 124...Dryer, 125...Capillary tube, 140...Foam insulation material, 150...Machine room, 151...Evaporation dish , 161... Condenser, 162... First heat radiation pipe, 163... Second heat radiation pipe, 164... Dryer, 165... Three-way valve, 166... Capillary tube for refrigerator compartment, 167... Capillary tube for freezing, 200... Operation section, 201 ...display section, 300...refrigerator

Claims (8)

Pantry mode with normal temperature range as target temperature range,
a refrigeration mode whose target temperature range is a lower temperature range than the pantry mode; and a storage room that can select .
a compressor;
A cooler that forms frost by cooling;
an evaporation tray placed in the machine room that receives the defrosting water;
a blower fan that blows air from the cooler toward the storage room,
The pantry mode at least cools the cooler to below freezing point to form frost to lower the humidity in the storage chamber, and sends defrosting water that has melted the frost adhering to the cooler to the evaporating dish.
The refrigeration mode at least stops the compressor and executes off-cycle defrosting in which the blower fan is operated while the compressor is stopped, thereby increasing the humidity in the storage room.
A refrigerator in which the humidity in the storage compartment is higher in the refrigeration mode than in the pantry mode. In claim 1,
A refrigerator in which an end reference temperature of off-cycle defrosting in the pantry mode is lower than a start reference temperature. In claim 1,
A refrigeration cycle that includes the cooler, the compressor, and a pressure reducing section, and in which a refrigerant circulates,
The frequency and/or total time of off-cycle defrosting during the refrigeration mode over a 24-hour period is higher and/or longer than the frequency and/or total time of off-cycle defrosting during the pantry mode. In claim 1,
comprising a defrosting heater that defrosts the frost of the cooler,
The frequency and/or total time of defrosting by the defrosting heater during the refrigeration mode over a 24-hour period is higher than the frequency and/or total time of defrosting by the defrosting heater during the pantry mode. Or a longer refrigerator. In claim 1,
a box constituting an outer shell; an inner box provided inside the box and forming the storage chamber ; a machine room that houses a compressor;
comprising a heat insulating material filled between the box body and the inner box,
The thickness D1 of the heat insulating material on the ceiling of the refrigerator is thicker than the thickness D2 of the heat insulating material in front of the machine room, or a vacuum heat insulating material is arranged on the ceiling of the refrigerator and the heat insulating material in front of the machine room is thicker than the thickness D2 of the heat insulator in front of the machine room. Refrigerators without vacuum insulation. In claim 1,
comprising a defrosting heater that defrosts the frost of the cooler,
The storage room can select a freezing mode in which a target temperature zone is a lower temperature zone than the refrigeration mode,
When the pantry mode is selected from the freezing mode, the threshold value for operating or stopping the compressor and the blower fan is set to the threshold value for the pantry mode, and the defrosting heater is switched to the pantry mode after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. A refrigerator that performs defrosting. storage room and
A refrigeration cycle including a compressor and a cooler that forms frost by cooling ;
a fan that blows air from the cooler to the storage room;
a defrosting heater that defrosts the frost in the cooler;
an evaporation tray placed in the machine room that receives the defrosting water ;
The storage room enables switching of the target temperature zone between a refrigerated temperature zone and a normal temperature zone ,
When the normal temperature range is set as the target temperature range, the cooler is cooled to below freezing point to lower the humidity in the storage chamber, and the defrosting heater melts the frost adhering to the cooler and the defrosting water is evaporated. Perform the step of sending to the dish,
When the refrigeration temperature zone is the target temperature zone, the compressor is stopped and the storage room is made highly humid by performing off-cycle defrosting in which the fan is operated while the compressor is stopped. run the steps,
A refrigerator in which the humidity in the storage room is made higher when the refrigerating temperature zone is the target temperature zone than when the normal temperature zone is the target temperature zone . In claim 1,
A refrigerator that uses a humidity sensor installed inside the refrigerator to control the humidity in the refrigerator so that the humidity in the refrigerator mode is higher than the humidity in the pantry mode.

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