JPH03122479A - Cold air distributing system for refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To perform uniform cooling of the wide interior of a refrigerator by a method wherein cold air is fed in a vertically and laterally dispersed state through a plurality of cold air discharge ports formed in a plurality of cold air distributing passages disposed on both sides of the deep part of the central part of a refrigerating chamber with a give distance therebetween. CONSTITUTION:After cold air from a cooler chamber passes a flow rate regulator 8, the flow of the cold air is branched into a plurality of cold air distributing passages 14a and 15a, and distributed to refrigerating chambers through cold air discharge ports 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b formed in the branch passages 14a and 15a. In this case, since a plurality of cold air distributing passages 14a and 15a are disposed on both sides of the deep part of the central part of the refrigerating chamber with a given distance therebetween, cold air through the cold air discharge ports 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a, and 24b is dispersed laterally widely to uniformly cool the interior of the chamber. When temperature in the refrigerating chamber & changes out of a given range, the change is detected by means of a temperature detector 7 mounted in the refrigerating chamber, and a flow rate regulator 8 located in a cold air feed passage is operated.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Industrial Field of Application] The present invention relates to a cold air distribution system for a large-sized refrigerator, particularly a multi-layer type refrigerator having sub-refrigeration compartments such as a vegetable compartment, a chilled compartment, and a bottle compartment in addition to the main refrigerator compartment. This relates to a cold air distribution system in a refrigerator.

[Prior art] The internal volume of the refrigerating compartment of a large refrigerator tends to be significantly large, but if the internal volume can be set to a certain limit, it is possible to evenly distribute the inside of the refrigerating compartment using a simple cold air passage as in the past. It is not possible to cool down the air, and some drastic measures are required. In addition, as the internal volume of the refrigerator compartment increases, it becomes difficult to evenly illuminate every corner of the room with only an internal light installed in one corner, making it inconvenient to put food in and out, especially when the room is dark. Occur.

On the other hand, multi-layer refrigerators that have sub-refrigerating compartments such as a vegetable compartment, chilled compartment, and bottle compartment in addition to the main compartment are becoming popular. Cool air must also be distributed into the room.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of a cold air distribution system in the case of a multilayer refrigerator (see Japanese Utility Model Application No. 63-1, 26767). In this example, cold air from the cooler room is divided into a plurality of cold air distribution passages and distributed to each refrigerator compartment via the same passages. Each distribution passage is provided with a flow rate regulator (for example, a regulating valve or regulating plate such as a damper thermo),
These flow rate regulators are individually controlled by the output of a temperature sensor provided within each refrigerator compartment.

However, placing a flow rate regulator in each distribution passage and controlling the regulator individually using a temperature sensor installed in each refrigerator compartment would result in an unnecessary increase in the amount of electrical and mechanical parts required. This not only causes an increase in the product price, but also increases the failure rate of the product due to the increase in the number of parts, creating new problems in terms of reliability.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The main purpose of the present invention is to solve the problem even when the internal volume of the refrigerator compartment is large.
The present invention aims to provide a new cold air distribution method that can efficiently distribute cold air throughout the same room.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cold air distribution system for a multilayer refrigerator that has extremely low failure rate and excellent reliability.

Still another object of the present invention is to realize ideal lighting without spotting even when the internal volume of the refrigerator compartment is large by incorporating an interior lighting device in the cold air distribution system. That is.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, a plurality of cold air distribution passages are branched from a cold air supply passage that communicates between the cooler room and the refrigerator compartment, and are installed at almost the entire height on the left and right sides of the center back of the refrigerator compartment. Wandering.

These cold air distribution passages are extended in parallel at predetermined intervals, and each distribution passage is provided with a plurality of cold air outlets opening into the refrigerator compartment at desired locations.

To adjust the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment, a flow rate regulator such as a damper thermometer is used.

The regulator is preferably provided in the cold air supply path before branching off from the cold air distribution path. On the other hand, a temperature detector 1 such as a thermostat is installed in the refrigerator compartment 5, and the flow rate regulator is controlled by its output.

In the case of a multi-layer refrigerator, a plurality of cold air distribution passages having 5 cold air outlets are arranged in the main refrigerator compartment in the same manner as in Section 2.
The lower ends of these distribution passages are opened into the sub-refrigeration chamber. The temperature detector is installed in the main refrigerator compartment, and the flow control system is
As in the case above, the cold air distribution passage is installed in the cold air supply path before branching.

A long and narrow storage space in the height direction is formed between multiple branch passages arranged at a predetermined interval on the left and right in the center of the cold room (main cold room in the case of a multilayer refrigerator). One or more interior lights are installed within the storage space. To protect the interior lights, it is desirable to install a removable lamp cover along the entire length of the storage space.

[Operation] After passing through the flow FJ and the regulator, the cold air from the cooler room is divided into a plurality of cold air distribution passages, and distributed into the refrigerator compartment from the cold air outlet provided in the branch passage. In this case, since a plurality of cold air distribution passages are arranged at predetermined intervals on the left and right sides of the center back of the refrigerator compartment, the cold air from the cold air outlet is widely dispersed to the upper left of the refrigerator compartment, and Cool the room evenly.

When the temperature in the metallurgical chamber changes within a predetermined range, the change is detected by a temperature detector installed in the same chamber.
Operate the casting regulator installed in the cold air supply passage.

However, in the case of a multilayer refrigerator, since no temperature detector is installed in the sub-refrigeration compartment, the flow rate controller does not directly respond to temperature changes in the sub-refrigeration compartment. However, normally designed multi-layer refrigerators are made in such a way that there is a certain amount of air movement between the main refrigerator compartment and the sub-refrigeration compartment, so when the temperature inside the sub-refrigeration compartment changes, As a result, the temperature inside the main refrigerator compartment also changes. Therefore, it is possible to indirectly control the temperature in the sub-refrigerating compartment by operating the flow rate regulator in accordance with the temperature in the main refrigerating compartment.

Incidentally, the light emitted from the internal lamps housed in the storage spaces between the plurality of branch passages is diffusely reflected on the surfaces of the members constituting the spaces, and becomes a kind of planar light source, illuminating the entire inside of the refrigerator compartment.

[Example 7] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an example in the case of a multilayer refrigerator. 3 to 7, reference numeral 1 denotes the refrigerator body, and its interior includes a freezer compartment 2, a main refrigerator compartment 3, and a main refrigerator compartment 3.
, a bottle compartment 4 and a vegetable compartment 5. 2a is the layer for the freezer compartment, 3a and 3b are the inside of the main refrigerator compartment 3, 4a is for the bottle compartment, 5a is the layer for the vegetable compartment, and these doors open and close the front openings of the freezer compartment and each refrigerator compartment. It is intended to be closed freely. Reference numeral 6 denotes a low temperature chamber located in the upper part of the main refrigerator compartment 3, which is used to preserve food at a low temperature of +1 to -3°C.

Although not shown in detail, part of the cold air from the cooler chamber provided at the back of the freezer compartment 2 is guided to the freezer compartment, and the rest is guided to the main refrigerator compartment 3 via a cold air supply path. 7 is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature inside the main refrigerator compartment; 8 is a damper thermometer (heat-sensitive) for adjusting the amount of cold air supplied to the main refrigerator compartment in response to a control signal from the temperature detector 7; Flow-i regulators such as type switchgear). 9 and 10 are
The cold air that has passed through the flow-It regulator 8 is discharged into the main refrigerator compartment through a cold air discharge port provided in the cold air supply path downstream of the flow-# regulator 7.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a plastic inner box for partitioning the inside of the refrigerator, and in the center back of the main refrigerator compartment, three ribs 12a and 12b (protrusions) are vertically spaced at predetermined intervals. It is formed. Reference numeral 13 denotes a duct for forming a cold air distribution passage, which is composed of a partially cylindrical duct cover 16 and two gutter-like members 14 and 15 fixed to the inner surface of the duct cover at the left and right front corners. The wooden duct 1 to the cover are made of elastic metal plates or synthetic resin plates, and the left and right edges of the cover are pushed into the ribs 12a and 12b and elastically engaged with the inner wall of the inner box 11, so that the main refrigerator Two vertical cold air distribution passages +4a and 15a are formed between the inner wall of the inner box 11 and the gutter-like members 14 and 15 over almost the entire height of the room. The gutter-like members 14 and 15 are preferably made of a material with excellent heat insulation properties, such as a polyethylene molded product.

The upper ends of the two cold air distribution passages 14a and 15a formed between the gutter-like members 14 and 15 and the refrigerator inner box 11 are
The cold air discharge portions 9 and 10 on the downstream side of the flow rate regulator 7 are connected to the cold air supply path, and the F end of one cold air distribution path 14a is connected to the bottle chamber 4, and the other cold air distribution path 15a is connected to the cold air supply path. The lower ends are each opened into the vegetable compartment 5 to distribute cold air into both compartments. In addition, in the case of a normal refrigerator without a sub-refrigeration compartment, the lower ends of the cold air distribution passages 14a and 15a are
It will be closed in an appropriate manner or opened into the refrigerator compartment.

Reference numeral 17 indicates an interior light installed in the vertical space between the gutter-like members 14 and 15, which lights up when one or both of the main refrigerator compartments B%3a and 3b are opened, and when the surroundings are dark. This makes it easier to take out food. Reference numeral 18 denotes a lamp cover that covers the interior light, and as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 7, it is detachably attached to the vertical opening provided in the center of the duct cover 16. It will be done.

Reference numerals 19, 20 and 21 indicate internal shelves for placing one food item, which are respectively attached to the inner box 11 of the main refrigerator compartment at a predetermined interval (for example, 120 to 140 mm). These internal shelves are preferably made of transparent plastic so that the light from the internal light 17 can reach every corner of the main refrigerator compartment.

22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 24a and 24b are located at predetermined positions of the duct cover 16 (inner shelf 19.
The temperature of each part of the chamber is controlled to a predetermined temperature (e.g. 3~
The cold air from the flow rate regulator 8 is guided into the main refrigerator compartment through the cold air distribution passages 14a and 1.5a so that the cold air can be cooled to a temperature of 5°C.

[Effects of the Invention] Since the cold air distribution system of the present invention is configured as described in detail above, it exhibits the following effects.

■ A plurality of cold air distribution passages arranged at predetermined intervals on the left and right in the center of the refrigerator compartment distribute and supply cold air vertically and horizontally through a plurality of cold air outlets provided in the same distribution passage. A wide refrigerator room can be cooled evenly.

■ Since we have adopted a structure in which cold air from the cooler room is divided into multiple cold air distribution passages after passing through a flow controller, even in the case of a multi-unit refrigerator, - number of flow controllers can be used to divide the cold air into multiple cold air distribution passages. temperature can be controlled, making it possible to provide a highly reliable refrigerator with a low failure rate.

(■ Since the refrigerator compartment is illuminated by internal lights housed in the storage space between the cold air distribution passages, uniform illumination can be provided throughout the large refrigerator compartment.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 and 2 are structural diagrams showing an example of a conventional cold air distribution system, FIG. 3 is an external perspective view of a multi-component refrigerator showing an embodiment of the cold air distribution system according to the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a structural diagram showing an example of the conventional cold air distribution system. An internal view of the main refrigerator compartment, Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the main refrigerator compartment,
FIGS. 6 and 7 are longitudinal sectional views of main parts of the main refrigerator compartment. In the figure, 3... Main refrigerator compartment 7 Medium temperature detector 8.
...Flow rate regulator 9.1o...Cold air discharge port 1
1... Inside the refrigerator M 13... Cold air duct 14.15... Gutter-like members 14a, 15a...
Cold air distribution passage 16...Duct cover 17
...Interior light 18...-Lamp cover 19.2o,
21...Inner shelf 22a, 22b, 23a, 23b, 2
4a, 24b - Cold air outlet

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A cold air supply path that communicates the cooler room and the refrigerator compartment, and a cold air supply path that is branched from the supply path and extends in parallel at a predetermined interval over almost the entire height on the left and right sides of the center back of the refrigerator room. a plurality of cold air distribution passages, a plurality of cold air outlets provided at predetermined locations of each cold air distribution passage, and means for adjusting the amount of cold air supplied into the refrigerator compartment in accordance with the temperature within the refrigerator compartment. A cold air distribution system for refrigerators. 2. Claims characterized in that a storage space elongated in the height direction is formed between the plurality of cold air distribution passages, and one or more interior lights are installed in the storage space. The cold air distribution method described in paragraph 1. 3. The above-mentioned means for adjusting the amount of cold air supplied to the refrigerator compartment includes at least a temperature detector installed in the refrigerator compartment and a flow rate regulator operated by the output of the detector. A cold air distribution system according to claim 1. 4. The cold air distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the flow rate regulator is provided in the cold air supply path before branching off from the cold air distribution path. 5. A main refrigerator compartment, one or more sub-refrigerator compartments located at the bottom of the same compartment, a cold air supply path that communicates the cooler compartment and the main refrigerator compartment, and a cold air supply route that branches off from the supply route and connects the main refrigerator compartment. Extending in parallel at a predetermined interval over almost the entire height on both sides of the center back,
A plurality of cold air distribution passages whose lower ends open into the sub-refrigeration compartment, a plurality of cold air outlets provided at predetermined locations in each cold air distribution passage, and a plurality of cold air outlets provided in the main refrigerating compartment and the sub-refrigeration compartment according to the temperature inside the main refrigerating compartment. A cold air distribution system for a refrigerator, comprising: means for adjusting the amount of cold air supplied. 6. Claims characterized in that an elongated storage space in the height direction is formed between the plurality of cold air distribution passages, and one or more interior lights are installed in the space. Cold air distribution method described in Section 5. 7. The means for adjusting the amount of cold air supplied to the main refrigerator compartment and the sub-refrigerator compartment includes at least a temperature detector installed in the main refrigerator compartment and a flow rate regulator operated by the output of the detector. A cold air distribution system according to claim 5, characterized in that: 8. The cold air distribution system according to claim 7, wherein the flow rate regulator is provided in the cold air supply path before branching off from the cold air distribution path. 9. The storage space in which one or more interior lights are installed is provided with a removable lamp cover along its entire length. Cold air distribution method described.