JP7475869B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator.

A refrigerator has been proposed that has multiple switching compartments, each of which can be switched between a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment. In such a refrigerator, when a switching compartment is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler with the damper corresponding to that switching compartment closed, and the switching compartment is cooled by the cold heat of the cooler.

However, in the above-mentioned refrigerator, there was room for improvement in terms of cooling control when it came to cooling the switchable compartment used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, for example, it was difficult to achieve a sufficient cooling speed.

JP 2014-5953 A

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can perform more appropriate cooling control.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a cooler, a housing, a first damper, a second damper, a blower, and a control unit. The housing includes a first switching compartment whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment, a second switching compartment whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment, and a cooling compartment in which the cooler is housed. The first damper controls the supply of cold air from the cooling compartment to the first switching compartment. The second damper controls the supply of cold air from the cooling compartment to the second switching compartment. The blower is provided in the cooling compartment. The control unit controls the first damper, the second damper, and the blower. When the first switching compartment is used as the refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a first predetermined condition is satisfied, including the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler being stopped, the control unit opens the first damper and drives the blower to the extent that the temperature of the first switching compartment increases before a second predetermined condition related to at least one of the temperature of the first switching compartment and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the first switching compartment is satisfied, and then, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied while the first predetermined condition is satisfied, increases at least one of the opening amount of the first damper and the control amount of the blower so as to lower the temperature of the first switching compartment even when the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler is stopped.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator shown in FIG. 1 taken along line F2-F2. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the first switching chamber and the second switching chamber of the first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a part of a functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of normal cooling control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of special cooling control according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of special cooling control according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a part of a functional configuration of a refrigerator according to a third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of special cooling control according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of a time chart of the special cooling control according to the third embodiment.

Below, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be given the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on the direction in which the refrigerator is viewed from a user standing in front of the refrigerator. In addition, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as the "front," and the side furthest from the user is defined as the "rear."

In this specification, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where it is based on XX that has been calculated or processed. "XX" is any element (for example, any information).

In this specification, "opening (or closing) the damper when a specified condition is satisfied" does not mean to open (or close) the damper the moment the specified condition is satisfied, but also includes opening (or closing) the damper at any timing while the specified condition is satisfied.

In addition, in this specification, "closing damper A and opening damper B" is not limited to the case where the timing of closing damper A and the timing of opening damper B are the same, but also includes the case where damper A is closed and then damper B is opened, or damper A is closed after damper B is opened. "Damper A" and "damper B" are, for example, any of the first damper 71 and second damper 72 described below.

First Embodiment
[1. Overall configuration of the refrigerator]
A refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 7. First, the overall configuration of the refrigerator 1 will be described.

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

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

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

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

The first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E can be switched between a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and a freezer temperature zone chamber, for example, independently of each other. The refrigerated temperature zone chamber is, for example, a storage chamber in which the center temperature of the set temperature zone described below is between -3°C and +7°C. The refrigerated temperature zone chamber is a so-called refrigerator chamber, chilled chamber, vegetable chamber, or the like. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E are used as refrigerated temperature zone chambers, the set temperature zone can be switched to switch the use between the refrigerator chamber, chilled chamber, and vegetable chamber. This will be described in detail later. On the other hand, the freezer temperature zone chamber is, for example, a storage chamber in which the center temperature of the set temperature zone is -10°C or lower (for example, -18°C or lower). The freezer temperature zone chamber is a so-called freezer chamber.

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

The housing 10 has first to third partitions 19A, 19B, and 19C. The first to third partitions 19A, 19B, and 19C are, for example, partition walls that are approximately horizontal. The first partition 19A is located between the refrigerator chamber 17A and the ice making chamber 17B and small freezer chamber 17C, and separates the refrigerator chamber 17A from the ice making chamber 17B and small freezer chamber 17C. The second partition 19B is located between the ice making chamber 17B and small freezer chamber 17C and the first switching chamber 17D, and separates the ice making chamber 17B and small freezer chamber 17C from the first switching chamber 17D. The third partition 19C is located between the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E, and separates the first switching chamber 17D from the second switching chamber 17E. Each of the first to third partitions 19A, 19B, and 19C contains, for example, foam insulation material and has thermal insulation properties.

The openings of the multiple storage compartments 17 are closed by multiple doors 20 in an openable and closable manner. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa, 20Ab that close the opening of the refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice-making compartment door 20B that closes the opening of the ice-making compartment 17B, a small freezer compartment door 20C that closes the opening of the small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching compartment door 20D that closes the opening of the first switching compartment 17D, and a second switching compartment door 20E that closes the opening of the second switching compartment 17E.

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

The flow path forming parts 50 are arranged inside the housing 10. The flow path forming parts 50 include a first duct part (first cooler cover) 51 and a second duct part (second cooler cover) 52.

The first duct part 51 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The first duct part 51 extends, for example, from the rear of the lower end of the refrigerator compartment 17A to the rear of the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 17A. The first cooling compartment 18A is formed between the first duct part 51 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct part 51 has a cold air outlet 51a and a cold air return port 51b. The cold air outlet 51a opens into the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air (air) flowing through the first cooling compartment 18A is blown out from the cold air outlet 51a into the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air return port 51b opens, for example, at the lower end of the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air that has passed through the refrigerator compartment 17A returns to the first cooling compartment 18A from the cold air return port 51b.

The second duct part 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The second duct part 52 extends, for example, from the rear of the second switching chamber 17E to the rear of the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezer chamber 17C. The second cooling chamber 18B is formed between the second duct part 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct part 52 has a plurality of cold air outlets 52a and a plurality of cold air return ports 52b (see FIG. 3). The plurality of cold air outlets 52a include a first cold air outlet 52aa opening into the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air outlet 52ab opening into the second switching chamber 17E, and a third cold air outlet 52ac opening into the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C. The multiple cold air return ports 52b include a first cold air return port 52ba (see FIG. 3) that opens into the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air return port 52bb (see FIG. 3) that opens into the second switching chamber 17E, and a third cold air return port (not shown) that opens into the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C.

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

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

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

The second cooling module 62 includes, for example, a second cooler (second evaporator) 83 and a second blower 84. The second cooler 83 and the second blower 84 are arranged in the second cooling chamber 18B. The second cooler 83 is supplied with liquid refrigerant by the refrigeration cycle device 76 described later, and cools the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B by the heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the second blower 84 is driven, the cold air from the ice making chamber 17B, the small freezer chamber 17C, the first switching chamber 17D, or the second switching chamber 17E flows into the second cooling chamber 18B from the corresponding first to third cold air return ports 52ba, 52bb. The air that flows into the second cooling chamber 18B is cooled by the second cooler 83. The cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 flows from the first to third cold air outlets 52aa, 52aab, 52ac into the ice making compartment 17B, the small freezer compartment 17C, the first switching compartment 17D, and the second switching compartment 17E. This causes the cold air flowing through the ice making compartment 17B, the small freezer compartment 17C, the first switching compartment 17D, and the second switching compartment 17E to circulate within the refrigerator 1, cooling the ice making compartment 17B, the small freezer compartment 17C, the first switching compartment 17D, and the second switching compartment 17E.

The first damper 71 is provided between the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B. The first damper 71 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D, for example, by opening and closing the first cold air outlet 52aa. For example, when the first damper 71 is opened, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B are connected to each other, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D. On the other hand, when the first damper 71 is closed, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B are blocked from each other, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D.

The second damper 72 is provided between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B. The second damper 72 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E, for example, by opening and closing the second cold air outlet 52ab. For example, when the second damper 72 is opened, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B are connected, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E. On the other hand, when the second damper 72 is closed, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B are blocked from each other, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E.

The third damper 73 is provided between the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C and the second cooling chamber 18B. The third damper 73 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezer chamber 17C, for example, by opening and closing the third cold air outlet 52ac. For example, when the third damper 73 is opened, the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C communicates with the second cooling chamber 18B, and cold air can be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C. On the other hand, when the third damper 73 is closed, the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C is disconnected from the second cooling chamber 18B, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant then flows into the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B). The temperature of the gas refrigerant immediately after it flows into the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B) is low, at around -10°C. As this gas refrigerant passes through the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B), it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B), and is eventually heated to about room temperature. This gas refrigerant is then sucked back into the compressor 75, completing the circulation of the refrigerant.

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

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

The operation panel unit 111 is realized by, for example, buttons, dials, or a capacitive touch sensor, and accepts user operations related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the operation panel unit 111 accepts user operations to switch each of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E between a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment.

For example, the user can use the first switching compartment 17D as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D to "refrigerated operation mode." In this embodiment, when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, the operation panel unit 111 can accept a selection of "strong refrigeration setting," "medium refrigeration setting," and "weak refrigeration setting" as the operation mode for the refrigerated temperature zone. The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "strong refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting." The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "weak refrigeration setting."

For example, the user can operate the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D to "medium refrigeration setting" or "strong refrigeration setting" to use the first switching compartment 17D as a so-called "refrigeration compartment." On the other hand, the user can operate the operation panel unit 111 to set the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D to "weak refrigeration setting" to use the first switching compartment 17D as a so-called "vegetable compartment." This will be described in detail later. Note that by setting the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D to "strong refrigeration setting," the first switching compartment 17D may be used as a so-called "chilled compartment."

On the other hand, the user can use the first switching compartment 17D as a freezing temperature zone compartment (so-called "freezer compartment") by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D to "freezing operation mode". In this embodiment, when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a freezing temperature zone compartment, the operation panel unit 111 can accept the selection of "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting" as the operation mode of the freezing temperature zone. The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "strong freezing setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium freezing setting". The center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "medium freezing mode" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone of the "weak freezing setting".

Similarly, the operation panel unit 111 accepts user operations to switch the second switching compartment 17E between a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment. The details regarding switching the operation mode of the second switching compartment 17E are the same as those regarding switching the operation mode of the first switching compartment 17D. Therefore, in the description of the second switching compartment 17E, the "first switching compartment 17D" in the above description of the first switching compartment 17D can be read as the "second switching compartment 17E." In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, each of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E can be set to any storage compartment selected from a refrigerator compartment, a freezer compartment, a vegetable compartment, or the like according to the user's preference.

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

The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A and detects the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 17A. The first switching compartment temperature sensor 114 is provided in the first switching compartment 17D and detects the air temperature in the first switching compartment 17D. The second switching compartment temperature sensor 115 is provided in the second switching compartment 17E and detects the air temperature in the second switching compartment 17E.

[3.2 Refrigerator temperature control]
Next, a description will be given of temperature management of the refrigerator 1. Here, the temperature management of the first switching compartment 17D will be described as a representative example.

The control unit 100a monitors the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D (e.g., the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114) and performs cooling control of the first switching chamber 17D based on the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D. In more detail, a set temperature zone corresponding to each operation mode is set for the first switching chamber 17D. For example, when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D rises to the upper limit value of the set temperature zone, the control unit 100a starts cooling the first switching chamber 17D.

On the other hand, the control unit 100a ends (stops) cooling of the first switching chamber 17D, for example, when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D drops to the lower limit of the set temperature range (the cooling target temperature). The control unit 100a repeats the above operation to maintain the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D within the set temperature range. Note that, instead of/in addition to the above control, the control unit 100a may resume cooling of the first switching chamber 17D without waiting for the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D to reach the upper limit of the set temperature range when the time elapsed since the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D ended exceeds a preset time.

The basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, in the explanation of the basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E, "first switching chamber 17D" in the explanation of the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D described above should be read as "second switching chamber 17E," and "the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D (e.g., the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114)" should be read as "the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E (e.g., the temperature detected by the second switching chamber temperature sensor 115)."

[3.3 Set temperature range]
Next, the "set temperature zone" will be described. The "set temperature zone" refers to a temperature range in which the air temperature of the storage chamber 17, which is the target of temperature management, is maintained in each of the refrigeration operation mode and the freezing operation mode. The "set temperature zone" refers to a temperature range defined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value.

In this embodiment, as described above, the operating modes for the refrigeration temperature zone are provided as "strong refrigeration setting," "medium refrigeration setting," and "weak refrigeration setting." The upper and lower limit values of the set temperature zone for the "strong refrigeration setting" are lower than the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature zone for the "medium refrigeration setting." The upper and lower limit values of the set temperature zone for the "weak refrigeration setting" are lower than the upper and lower limit values of the set temperature zone for the "medium refrigeration setting."

In this embodiment, when the "strong refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a at least one of setting the control amount (e.g., operating frequency) of the compressor 75 higher and setting the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 higher, compared to when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected. On the other hand, when the "weak refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a at least one of setting the control amount (e.g., operating frequency) of the compressor 75 lower and setting the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 lower, compared to when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected.

The same applies to the freezing temperature range operating modes "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting". Note that when conflicting settings are made for the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84, such as when the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting" and the second switching chamber 17E is set to the "strong freezing setting", the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 may be determined according to a preset rule (such as giving priority to the "refrigeration operation mode" or giving priority to the "freezing operation mode").

The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 in the operating modes of the refrigeration temperature zone, "strong refrigeration setting", "medium refrigeration setting", and "weak refrigeration setting", may be the same as each other. The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 in the operating modes of the freezing temperature zone, "strong freezing setting", "medium freezing setting", and "weak freezing setting", may be the same as each other. The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 in the operating modes of the refrigeration temperature zone and the freezing temperature zone may be the same as each other.

3.4 Control Mode
Next, several control modes that the control unit 100a can execute will be described. Here, the "normal cooling control" and the special cooling control involving cooling by frosting the second cooler 83 (hereinafter simply referred to as "special cooling control") will be described. Below, an example will be described in which the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber, and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezer temperature zone chamber. However, the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E may be reversed. In this case, in the following description, the "first switching chamber 17D" and the "second switching chamber 17E" may be read as mutually interchangeable, and the "first damper 71" and the "second damper 72" may be read as mutually interchangeable. This is the same for the second and third embodiments and the modified examples.

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

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

More specifically, at time t0, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is near the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode (for example, the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting"), and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. On the other hand, at time t0, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. As a result, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 and flows into the interior of the second switching chamber 17E from the second cold air outlet 52ab. As a result, the second switching chamber 17E is cooled.

At time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit L2 of the set temperature range of the freezing operation mode (e.g., the set temperature range of the "medium freezing setting"). On the other hand, at time t1, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D has not reached the upper limit H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode (e.g., the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting"), and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. Therefore, at time t1, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 and closes the second damper 72.

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

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

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is no longer necessary. Meanwhile, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. Note that in FIG. 6, for the sake of convenience, the temperature drop of the first switching chamber 17D is shown to stop at time t4, but in reality, liquid refrigerant continues to be supplied to the compressor 75 after time t4, so the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D can drop to a temperature lower than the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode.

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

3.4.2 Special Cooling Control
Next, the special cooling control involving cooling by frost in the second cooler 83 will be described.
7 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of special cooling control. In special cooling control, the first damper 71 is opened at a predetermined timing while normal cooling control is used as a base, and cooling is performed using the frost in the second cooler 83. Note that the explanation of special cooling control will focus on the differences from normal cooling control. Control other than that described below regarding special cooling control is the same as normal cooling control.

In more detail, at time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit L2 of the set temperature range of the freezing operation mode (for example, the set temperature range of the "medium freezing setting"). On the other hand, at time t1, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D does not reach the upper limit H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode (for example, the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting"), and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not required. Therefore, at time t1, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75 and the second blower 84. As a result, liquid refrigerant is no longer supplied to the second cooler 83. In addition, the control unit 100a closes the second damper 72 at time t1. In this embodiment, the fact that liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83 is an example of the "first predetermined condition". The first predetermined condition is, for example, a condition in which the first switching chamber 17D is not excessively cooled even if the first damper 71 is opened.

At time t2, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode (for example, the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting"). In the special cooling control, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 while keeping the compressor 75 stopped at time t2. As a result, in a state in which no liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83, moist cold air cooled by the frost adhering to the second cooler 83 is supplied to the first switching chamber 17D from the first cold air outlet 52aa. As a result, the first switching chamber 17D is cooled and the air in the first switching chamber 17D flows. In addition, the humidity in the first switching chamber 17D can be increased appropriately. In this embodiment, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaching the upper limit H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode is an example of the "second predetermined condition". The second predetermined condition is, for example, a condition that establishes a state in which cooling of the first switching chamber 17D should be started (restarted) based on a predetermined temperature management.

The control unit 100a controls at least one of the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 so that the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D is increased compared to when, for example, the first damper 71 is closed and liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 (for example, liquid refrigerant is supplied at the same supply amount as between time t3 and time t4) and the first switching chamber 17D is cooled by the cold heat of the second cooler 83. In other words, the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 that satisfy such conditions are preset.

In this embodiment, the control unit 100a controls at least one of the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount (e.g., the rotation speed) of the second blower 84 so that the cooling rate of the first switching chamber 17D is increased compared to when, for example, the first damper 71 is closed and the second blower 84 is driven (for example, the second blower 84 is driven with the same control amount as between time t3 and time t4) and liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 (for example, liquid refrigerant is supplied with the same supply amount as between time t3 and time t4) and the first switching chamber 17D is cooled by the cold heat of the second cooler 83 (i.e., in the case of normal cooling control). In other words, in FIG. 7, the cooling rate (the rate of temperature decrease of the first switching chamber 17D) during the period S1 between time t2 and time t3 is greater than the cooling rate during the period S2 between time t3 and time t4.

In addition, in this embodiment, the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven between time t2 and time t3, so the rate of temperature rise of the second switching chamber 17E between time t2 and time t3 is greater than the rate of temperature rise of the second switching chamber 17E between time t1 and time t2.

In this embodiment, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber (for example, when used in a "weak freezing setting" or a "medium freezing setting"), the control unit 100a drives the second blower 84 with a first control amount (for example, a first rotation speed). On the other hand, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerating temperature zone chamber (for example, when used in a "weak freezing setting" or a "medium freezing setting") and a first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a drives the second blower 84 with a second control amount (for example, a second rotation speed) equal to or greater than the first control amount. This can promote the cooling of the first switching chamber 17D more efficiently. Note that the first control amount and the second control amount are compared, for example, with the control amount when the difference between the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D and the cooling target temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is the same.

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

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

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode (for example, the set temperature range of the "medium refrigeration setting"), and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is no longer necessary. On the other hand, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is opened, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven. For the sake of convenience, FIG. 7 shows that the temperature drop of the first switching chamber 17D stops at time t4, but in reality, liquid refrigerant is supplied to the compressor 75 even after time t4, so the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D can drop to a temperature lower than the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode. This is the same for the following figures.

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

(4. Advantages)
In this embodiment, when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and a first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71. According to this configuration, the first switching compartment 17D and the second cooling compartment 18B are connected by opening the first damper 71, and the cooling of the first switching compartment 17D can be promoted by the cold air of the second cooling compartment 18B. This allows for more appropriate cooling control, such as an improved cooling rate for the first switching compartment 17D, compared to a case in which the first damper 71 is not opened and the first switching compartment 17D is cooled only by the cold heat of the second cooler 83.

In this embodiment, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 when the first predetermined condition is met. With this configuration, the cooling speed of the first switching chamber 17D can be further improved. Furthermore, when the first damper 71 is opened and the second blower 84 is driven, cold air flows inside the first switching chamber 17D, and the occurrence of condensation caused by stagnation of cold air can be further suppressed. However, driving the second blower 84 is not essential, and the control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 while keeping the second blower 84 stopped when the first predetermined condition is met.

In this embodiment, the first predetermined condition includes that liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. With this configuration, the temperature of the second cooler 83 increases, and the frost that melts in the second cooler 83 can be used to promote cooling of the first switching chamber 17D, and more moist cool air can be supplied to the first switching chamber 17D. Note that "liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83" refers to, for example, the compressor 75 being stopped, but is not limited to this. "Liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83" also includes, for example, a case where the liquid refrigerant compressed by the compressor 75 and condensed by the condenser 91 is supplied only to the first cooler 81 by the three-way valve 93.

The first predetermined condition is not limited to liquid refrigerant not being supplied to the second cooler 83. The first predetermined condition may be, for example, that cooling to lower the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E is stopped when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezer temperature zone chamber. In other words, under the first predetermined condition, liquid refrigerant may be supplied to the second cooler 83 in an amount and at a temperature suitable for cooling the refrigerated temperature zone chamber.

The first predetermined condition may include at least one of the following: when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment 17E is used as a freezer temperature zone compartment, the difference between the temperature of the second switching compartment 17E and the target cooling temperature of the second switching compartment 17E (e.g., the lower limit L2 of the set temperature zone) is equal to or less than a first threshold value; and the remaining cooling time of the second switching compartment 17E (e.g., when a maximum cooling time per cooling is set) is equal to or less than a second threshold value. In other words, the first predetermined condition may be a condition that is met before the cooling of the second switching compartment 17E is completed.

In this embodiment, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second cooler 83 has a first portion 83a overlapping the first switching chamber 17D and a second portion 83b overlapping the second switching chamber 17E. When the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezer temperature zone chamber, the control unit 100a closes the first damper 71 when liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 to lower the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E. This makes it possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D from being excessively cooled even if liquid refrigerant of an amount and temperature suitable for cooling the second switching chamber 17E, which is a freezer temperature zone chamber, is supplied to the second cooler 83. Note that, instead of closing the first damper 71, the control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 less when liquid refrigerant is supplied to the second cooler 83 than when liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83.

In this embodiment, the control unit 100a does not open the first damper 71 only when the first predetermined condition is satisfied. When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the second predetermined condition related to the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D is satisfied (for example, when the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode), the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 without supplying liquid refrigerant to the second cooler 83. With this configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be cooled using the frost in the second cooler 83 at the timing when cooling of the first switching chamber 17D should be started. This allows the refrigerator 1 to save energy. The second predetermined condition may be satisfied when at least one of the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber 17D reaches a preset standard.

When a third predetermined condition related to the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E is satisfied after the second predetermined condition is satisfied (for example, when the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the upper limit H2 of the set temperature range of the freezing operation mode), even if the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D does not reach the target cooling temperature (for example, the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode), the control unit 100a closes the first damper 71 and causes the second cooler 83 to supply liquid refrigerant. This can improve the cooling efficiency of the second switching chamber 17E. Note that the third predetermined condition being satisfied may be when at least one of the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the second switching chamber 17E reaches a preset standard. In addition, when the control unit 100a causes the second cooler 83 to supply liquid refrigerant, instead of closing the first damper 71, the control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 less than when liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83.

In this embodiment, when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front, the second cooler 83 has a first portion 83a that overlaps with the first switching chamber 17D and a second portion 83b that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E and is smaller than the first portion 83a, or has no portion that overlaps with the second switching chamber 17E. Then, when the second switching chamber 17E is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a opens the second damper 72 by the first opening amount for the first time. On the other hand, when the first switching chamber 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone chamber and the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a performs at least one of opening the first damper 71 by a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount and opening the first damper 71 for a second time shorter than the first time. This makes it possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D, which is easier to cool than the second switching chamber 17E, from being excessively cooled. From another perspective, it is possible to more appropriately promote cooling of the second switching chamber 17E, which is harder to cool than the first switching chamber 17D.

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

Figure 8 shows an example of a time chart of the special cooling control of the second embodiment. More specifically, at time t1, the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E reaches the lower limit L2 of the set temperature range of the freezing operation mode. Therefore, the control unit 100a stops driving the compressor 75. The control unit 100a also closes the second damper 72.

In this embodiment, at time t1, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 while stopping the compressor 75. As a result, wet cold air cooled by the frost adhering to the second cooler 83 is supplied to the first switching chamber 17D from the first cold air outlet 52aa without liquid refrigerant being supplied to the second cooler 83. This cools the first switching chamber 17D and causes the air in the first switching chamber 17D to flow. In addition, the humidity in the first switching chamber 17D can be appropriately increased. Note that the control unit 100a may open the first damper 71 and drive the second blower 84 at any timing between time t1 and time t2, not limited to time t1.

In one example, the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 between time t1 and time t2 is set to be smaller than that of other timings (e.g., between time t3 and time t4). This makes it possible to prevent the first switching chamber 17D from being cooled too much by the cold second cooler 83 immediately after the compressor 75 is stopped. Note that the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 between time t1 and time t2 may be the same as that of other timings (e.g., between time t3 and time t4).

At time t2, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the upper limit H1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode. In this case, the control unit 100a increases the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84, for example, while keeping the compressor 75 stopped. This promotes cooling of the first switching chamber 17D without liquid refrigerant being supplied to the second cooler 83. Note that the control unit 100a may increase the opening amount of the first damper 71 at time t2, instead of/in addition to increasing the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84.

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

At time t4, the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D reaches the lower limit L1 of the set temperature range of the refrigeration operation mode, and cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is no longer necessary. Meanwhile, at time t4, the second switching chamber 17E is being cooled, the second damper 72 is open, and the compressor 75 and the second blower 84 are driven.

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

In the second embodiment described above, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied while the first switching compartment 17D is used as a refrigeration temperature zone compartment, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 and drives the second blower 84 before a second predetermined condition regarding the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D (for example, the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D reaching the upper limit value H1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigeration operation mode) is satisfied. This allows the cooling of the first switching compartment 17D to be started at an earlier timing by using the frost adhering to the second cooler 83. The second predetermined condition may be that at least one of the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D and the elapsed time since the previous cooling of the first switching compartment 17D ends reaches a preset standard.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied, at least one of the opening amount of the first damper 71 and the control amount of the second blower 84 is increased while maintaining a state in which liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the second cooler 83. With this configuration, excessive cooling of the first switching chamber 17D can be suppressed, and dry air can be suppressed from flowing into the first switching chamber 17D. This can further improve the freshness of the ingredients in the first switching chamber 17D. In addition, by reducing the control amount of the second blower 84 and the like during times when cooling of the first switching chamber 17D is not essential, further energy savings can be achieved. Note that in this specification, "increasing the control amount" also includes the case where the control amount is increased from a stopped state (zero control amount).

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

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of the refrigerator 1 of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, the control unit 100a is electrically connected to a cooler temperature sensor 121 and a defrost heater 122. The cooler temperature sensor 121 is provided in the second cooler 83 and detects the temperature of the second cooler 83. The defrost heater 122 is attached to the second cooler 83 or provided near the second cooler 83 and heats the second cooler 83 during defrosting.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing an example of a time chart of the special cooling control of the third embodiment. In this embodiment, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a performs a first control of opening the first damper 71 and driving the second blower 84. In this embodiment, the defrost heater 122 is not energized in the first control. Then, after the first control (for example, at time t2'), the control unit 100a performs a second control of energizing the defrost heater 122 while opening the first damper 71 and driving the second blower 84. With this configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be efficiently cooled by using the cold second cooler 83 before the defrost heater 122 is energized. Note that in the first control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated with the first current amount, and in the second control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated with the second current amount larger than the first current amount.

In this embodiment, the control unit 100a does not heat the defrost heater 122 when the temperature of the second cooler 83 detected by the cooler temperature sensor 121 is higher than the lower limit L1 of the set temperature zone of the refrigeration operation mode, for example, at time t2' (or time t2). With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D from rising excessively. This control is also applicable to the example shown in FIG. 11.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing another example of a time chart of the special cooling control of the third embodiment. Like the second embodiment, Figure 11 shows an example in which the first damper 71 is opened from time t1. The configuration of the example shown in Figure 11 is the same as that of the second embodiment, except for the points described below.

In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a performs a first control to open the first damper 71 and drive the second blower 84 before the second predetermined condition is satisfied. In this example, in the first control, the defrost heater 122 is not energized. Then, after the first control (for example, at time t1'), the control unit 100a performs a second control to energize the defrost heater 122 while opening the first damper 71 and driving the second blower 84. With this configuration, the first switching chamber 17D can be efficiently cooled by utilizing the cold second cooler 83 before the defrost heater 122 is energized. Note that in the first control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated with the first current amount, and in the second control, the defrost heater 122 may be heated with the second current amount larger than the first current amount. Furthermore, the timing at which the first control is switched to the second control is not limited to time t1', but may be any time between time t2 and time t3.

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

In the first modified example, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting," the control unit 100a cools the first switching compartment 17D using the special cooling control of any one of the first to third embodiments. On the other hand, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"), the control unit 100a cools the first switching compartment 17D using the normal cooling control of the first embodiment.

In other words, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting" and the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 by the first opening amount for the first time. On the other hand, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting") and the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a does not open the first damper 71. With this configuration, when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a refrigerator compartment, cooling is performed by normal cooling control, and when the first switching compartment 17D is used as a vegetable compartment and more moist cold air is required, cooling can be performed by special cooling control.

When the first switching chamber 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting") and a first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 100a may at least one of open the first damper 71 by a second opening amount that is smaller than the first opening amount and open the first damper 71 for a second time period that is shorter than the first time period, instead of not opening the first damper 71.

(Second Modification)
In the second modified example, the first switching compartment 17D can be switched at least between a "medium refrigeration setting" (so-called refrigerator compartment) and a "weak refrigeration setting" (so-called vegetable compartment). When the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting", the control unit 100a cools the first switching compartment 17D with the special cooling control of the second embodiment. On the other hand, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting"), the control unit 100a cools the first switching compartment 17D with the normal cooling control of the first or third embodiment.

In other words, the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 when the first predetermined condition is satisfied with the first switching compartment 17D set to the "medium refrigeration setting" (or "strong refrigeration setting") and when the second predetermined condition related to at least one of the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the first switching compartment 17D is satisfied. On the other hand, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied with the first switching compartment 17D set to the "weak refrigeration setting", the control unit 100a opens the first damper 71 without waiting for the second predetermined condition to be satisfied.

When the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting," the upper limit of the set temperature range is high, so the second specified condition is met less frequently than when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "medium refrigeration setting." For this reason, in the second modified example, when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting," the first damper 71 is opened regardless of whether the second specified condition is met. This may allow for more appropriate cooling control.

Although several embodiments have been described above, the embodiments are not limited to the above examples. For example, the second cooler 83 may be disposed in a position that does not overlap both the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E when the refrigerator 1 is viewed from the front. Furthermore, the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D used by the control unit 100a is not limited to the temperature detected by the first switching compartment temperature sensor 114, but may be the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D estimated based on the detection results of a sensor provided in another location. The same applies to the temperature of the second switching compartment 17E.

According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the refrigerator can perform more appropriate cooling control by having a control unit that opens the first damper when the first switching compartment is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and the first predetermined condition is satisfied.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as set forth in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention.

1...refrigerator, 10...housing, 60...cooling unit, 17A...refrigeration compartment, 17B...ice-making compartment, 17C...small freezer compartment, 17D...first switching compartment, 17E...second switching compartment, 18A...first cooling compartment, 18B...second cooling compartment, 71...first damper, 72...second damper, 81...first cooler, 82...first blower, 83...second cooler, 84...second blower, 100a...control unit, 122...defrost heater.

Claims (15)

A cooler;
a housing including a first switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, a second switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, and a cooling chamber in which the cooler is housed;
a first damper that controls the supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the first switching chamber;
a second damper that controls the supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the second switching chamber;
A blower provided in the cooling chamber;
A control unit that controls the first damper, the second damper, and the blower;
Equipped with
The control unit, in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerated temperature zone compartment,
When a first predetermined condition is satisfied, including the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler being stopped, before a second predetermined condition is satisfied regarding at least one of the temperature of the first switching chamber and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the first switching chamber, the first damper is opened and the blower is driven to an extent that the temperature of the first switching chamber increases;
thereafter, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied while the first predetermined condition is satisfied, at least one of an opening amount of the first damper and a control amount of the blower is increased so as to reduce the temperature of the first switching chamber even in a state in which the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler is stopped.
refrigerator. A cooler;
a housing including a first switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, a second switching chamber whose use can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone chamber and a freezing temperature zone chamber, and a cooling chamber in which the cooler is housed;
a first damper that controls the supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the first switching chamber;
a second damper that controls the supply of cool air from the cooling chamber to the second switching chamber;
A blower provided in the cooling chamber;
A control unit that controls the first damper, the second damper, and the blower;
Equipped with
The control unit, in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerated temperature zone compartment,
In one cooling period in which the temperature of the first switching chamber is cooled from the upper limit value of a set temperature range to the lower limit value of the set temperature range,
a special cooling control that is executed in a state where a first predetermined condition including the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler is stopped is satisfied, and that opens the first damper, drives the blower, and introduces cold air generated by frost into the first switching chamber to cool the first switching chamber in a state where the supply of liquid refrigerant to the cooler is stopped;
a normal cooling control in which the liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler and the first switching chamber is cooled by thermal conduction due to the cold heat of the cooler in a state in which the first damper is closed and the introduction of cold air into the first switching chamber is suppressed compared to the special cooling control; and
the special cooling control and the normal cooling control can be executed in this order ,
When the special cooling control is executed, the control unit controls at least one of the first damper and the blower so that a cooling rate of the first switching chamber is increased compared to when the normal cooling control is executed.
refrigerator. The first predetermined condition includes that the cooling for lowering the temperature of the second switching compartment is stopped in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerated temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment is used as the freezer temperature zone compartment.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 . The first predetermined condition includes at least one of a difference between a temperature of the second switching compartment and a target cooling temperature of the second switching compartment being equal to or less than a first threshold value and a remaining cooling time of the second switching compartment being equal to or less than a second threshold value in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment is used as the freezing temperature zone compartment.
The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3 . When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment is used as the freezing temperature zone compartment, the control unit closes the second damper and opens the first damper.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4 . When the refrigerator is viewed from the front, the cooler has a first portion overlapping with the first switching chamber and a second portion overlapping with the second switching chamber,
When the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment is used as the freezing temperature zone compartment, and liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler to lower the temperature of the second switching compartment, the control unit closes the first damper or reduces an opening amount of the first damper compared to when liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5 . The control unit opens the second damper when the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the freezing temperature zone compartment and the second switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 . When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment, and when a second predetermined condition related to at least one of a temperature of the first switching compartment and an elapsed time since the end of a previous cooling of the first switching compartment is satisfied, the control unit opens the first damper and drives the blower in a state where liquid refrigerant is not supplied to the cooler.
The refrigerator according to claim 2 . When a third predetermined condition related to at least one of the temperature of the second switching chamber and the elapsed time since the end of the previous cooling of the second switching chamber is satisfied after the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit closes the first damper or reduces the opening amount of the first damper, opens the second damper, and supplies liquid refrigerant to the cooler, even if the temperature of the first switching chamber has not reached the target cooling temperature of the first switching chamber.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 8 . The control unit is
When the first switching compartment is used as the freezing temperature zone compartment, the blower is driven with a first control amount;
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment, the blower is driven with a second controlled variable that is equal to or greater than the first controlled variable.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 9 . When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the first damper is opened, the control unit controls an opening amount of the first damper to an opening amount between a fully open amount and a fully closed amount.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 10 . Further, a defrost heater is provided for heating the cooler during defrosting.
The control unit performs a first control of opening the first damper and driving the blower when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, and performs a second control of energizing the defrost heater or increasing the amount of energization of the defrost heater compared to the first control after the first control.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 11 . The set temperature zone of the first switching compartment can be switched at least between a first refrigeration temperature zone and a second refrigeration temperature zone having a higher temperature than the first refrigeration temperature zone,
The control unit is
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied with the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment set to the second refrigeration temperature zone, the first damper is opened by a first opening amount for a first time period, and the blower is driven;
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment is set to the first refrigeration temperature zone, at least one of opening the first damper not to open, opening the first damper by a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount, and opening the first damper for a second time period shorter than the first time period and driving the blower.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 12 . The set temperature zone of the first switching compartment can be switched at least between a first refrigeration temperature zone and a second refrigeration temperature zone having a higher temperature than the first refrigeration temperature zone,
The control unit is
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied and the second predetermined condition is satisfied in a state where the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment is set to the first refrigeration temperature zone, the first damper is opened and the blower is driven;
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment is set to the second refrigeration temperature zone, the first damper is opened and the blower is driven without waiting for the second predetermined condition to be satisfied.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 8 . When the refrigerator is viewed from the front, the cooler has a first portion overlapping with the first switching chamber and a second portion overlapping with the second switching chamber and smaller than the first portion, or does not have a portion overlapping with the second switching chamber;
The control unit is
When the second switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment and the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the second damper is opened by a first opening amount for a first time period;
When the first predetermined condition is satisfied in a state in which the first switching compartment is used as the refrigerating temperature zone compartment, at least one of opening the first damper by a second opening amount smaller than the first opening amount and opening the first damper for a second time period shorter than the first time period is performed.
A refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 14 .

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