WO2022004012A1 - Refrigerator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention comprises a second evaporator chamber that houses a second evaporator, and a damper member (410) that opens and closes an opening that is provided between the second evaporator chamber and a first switching chamber. The damper member (410) has: a first-switching-chamber second flapper (412) that is provided so as to be movable toward and away from the opening; a drive unit (413) that rotationally drives the first-switching-chamber second flapper (412); and a flapper support unit (413c) that protrudes upward from the upper surface (414f) of the drive unit (413) and supports the first-switching-chamber second flapper (412). The flapper support unit (413c) is equipped with an umbrella portion (416) with a larger diameter than the shaft of the flapper support unit (413c).

Description

refrigerator

The present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Patent Document 1 describes a damper device 1 having a drive unit 5, a baffle 4 driven by the drive unit 5, and a frame 2 forming an opening opened / closed by the baffle 4, the drive unit 5 having. It is described that the cover member 9 is provided to cover the seam 8 and prevent moisture existing outside the drive unit 5 from entering the inside. In Patent Document 2, when the pivot axis of the baffle 42 is provided vertically, the dew condensation water dropped from the baffle 42 is accumulated and frozen when the opening 40a is opened, and the rotation of the baffle 42 is blocked. It is described that the 42a is provided horizontally at the upper end of the baffle 42.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-83672 (paragraph 0018, FIG. 1) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2006-214684 (paragraph 0043, FIG. 11)

However, when the rotating shaft supporting the baffle is laid down as in Patent Documents 1 and 2, when water adheres to the rotating shaft, water tends to remain on the surface of the rotating shaft, and the baffle is frozen by freezing of water. It may interfere with the opening and closing operation.

The present invention includes a cooler chamber for accommodating a cooler and a damper member for opening and closing an opening provided between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber, and the damper member can be attached to and detached from the opening. The flapper is provided with a flapper, a drive unit that drives the flapper, and a flapper support portion that connects the flapper and the drive unit and has a rotation axis upward in the vertical direction. The rotating shaft is provided with an umbrella portion having a diameter larger than that of the rotating shaft.

It is a front view which shows the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. It is a front view which shows the flow of the cold air inside the back of the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. It is a front view which shows the flow of the cold air in the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. It is an enlarged view of the main part of the VV cross section shown in FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the air passage structure of cooling air. It is a block diagram which shows the refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator which concerns on this embodiment. It is an exploded perspective view which shows the heat insulation partition wall provided on the back side of a switching chamber. It is an exploded perspective view when the heat insulating partition wall is seen diagonally from the rear. It is a perspective view which shows the internal structure of a damper duct. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the front case of a damper duct member. It is a top view which shows the inside of the front case to which a damper member is attached. It is a perspective view which shows the inside of the rear case of a damper duct member. FIG. 10 is an arrow view in the XIV direction of FIG. It is a perspective view when the damper member is seen from the front side. It is a perspective view when the damper member is seen from the rear side. It is an exploded perspective view of a damper member. It is a side view of a damper member. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX of FIG. It is a front view of a heat insulating partition duct plate. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XXI-XXI of FIG. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part A in FIG. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part B in FIG. It is sectional drawing of the 1st switching chamber damper fixing part. It is the distribution of the strain of the sealing material when the first flapper of the first switching chamber abuts on the contact portion and seals. It is a vector figure of the tension direction of the corner part of a sealing material. First switching chamber The position of the edge of the sealing material at the initial sealing position where the first flapper abuts on the contact part and begins to seal, and the edge of the sealing material at the post-deformation sealing position where the sealing performance is improved by close contact. It is a figure which shows the position. The shape of the first flapper of the first switching chamber is shown, and it is a figure which evaluated the adhesion of the sealing material when it abuts and seals with a contact part. The shape of the first flapper of the first switching chamber is shown, and it is a figure which evaluated the adhesion of the sealing material when it abuts and seals with a contact part. The shape of the first flapper of the first switching chamber is shown, and it is a figure which evaluated the adhesion of the sealing material when it abuts and seals with a contact part. The shape of the first flapper of the first switching chamber is shown, and it is a figure which evaluated the adhesion of the sealing material when it abuts and seals with a contact part. Is a graph in which the ratio of R is on the horizontal axis and the opening area of the flapper is on the vertical axis, and the sealing performances (×, Δ, ○, ⊚) confirmed in FIGS. 28A to 28D are also shown.

Hereinafter, a mode for carrying out the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described. However, the present embodiment is not limited to the following contents, and can be arbitrarily modified and implemented without impairing the gist of the present invention. Further, in the following, the directions shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described as a reference.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a refrigerator according to the present embodiment. In the following, a 6-door refrigerator 1 will be described as an example, but the description is not limited to the 6-door refrigerator 1.
As shown in FIG. 1, the refrigerator 1 includes a refrigerating room 2, an ice making room 3, a freezing room 4, a first switching room 5 (upper switching room, storage room) and a second switching room 6 (lower switching room, storage room). It has a heat insulating box body 10 provided with the above. The first switching chamber 5 can switch the temperature zone from the refrigerating temperature zone (for example, 1 ° C. to 6 ° C.) to the freezing temperature zone (for example, about −20 ° C. to −18 ° C.). Similarly, the second switching chamber 6 can switch the temperature zone from the refrigerating temperature zone to the freezing temperature zone. The refrigerating chamber 2 is set to a refrigerating temperature zone (for example, 6 ° C.), and the ice making chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 are set to a refrigerating temperature zone (for example, about −20 ° C.).

Further, in the refrigerator 1, in front of the heat insulating box 10, the refrigerating room doors 2a and 2b for opening and closing the refrigerating room 2, the ice making room door 3a for opening and closing the ice making room 3, and the freezing room door 4a for opening and closing the freezing room 4 are provided. A first switching chamber door 5a for opening and closing the first switching chamber 5 and a second switching chamber door 6a for opening and closing the second switching chamber 6 are provided. The refrigerating room doors 2a and 2b are configured so that they can be opened by double doors. The ice making chamber door 3a, the freezing chamber door 4a, the first switching chamber door 5a, and the second switching chamber door 6a are configured to be retractable toward the front. The refrigerating room doors 2a and 2b, the ice making room door 3a, the freezing room door 4a, the first switching room door 5a and the second switching room door 6a are heat insulating doors. Further, on the outer surface of the refrigerator compartment door 2a, an operation unit 26 for operating the temperature setting inside the refrigerator is provided.

The refrigerating room 2 and the freezing room 4 and the ice making room 3 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 28. Further, the freezing chamber 4 and the ice making chamber 3 and the first switching chamber 5 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 29, and the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are separated by a heat insulating partition wall 30.

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

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

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

The refrigerating room doors 2a and 2b are provided with a plurality of door pockets 33a, 33b and 33c inside the refrigerator. Further, the inside of the refrigerating room 2 is divided into a plurality of storage spaces by shelves 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. The ice making chamber door 3a, the freezing chamber door 4a, the first switching chamber door 5a, and the second switching chamber door 6a are respectively drawn out integrally with the ice making chamber container 3b, the freezing chamber container 4b, the first switching chamber container 5b, and the second switching chamber. It is provided with a chamber container 6b.

The back of the refrigerating chamber 2 is provided with a first evaporator chamber 8a on which the first evaporator 14a is mounted. Further, a second evaporator chamber 8b (cooler chamber) in which a second evaporator 14b (cooler) is mounted is provided substantially behind the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6. Further, the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6 are separated from the second evaporator chamber 8b and the second fan discharge air passage 12 described later by a heat insulating partition wall 27.

The heat insulating partition wall 27 is separate from the heat insulating box body 10, the heat insulating partition wall 29, and the heat insulating partition wall 30, and the heat insulating box body 10, the heat insulating partition, and the heat insulating partition wall 27 are separated from the heat insulating box body 10, the heat insulating partition wall 29, and the heat insulating partition wall 30. It is fixed so as to be in contact with the wall 29 and the heat insulating partition wall 30, and is removable. In this way, by forming the heat insulating partition wall 27 as a separate body and making it removable, the second evaporator 14b housed in the second evaporator chamber 8b, the second fan 9b described later, and the first switching chamber first When a defect occurs in a part covered by the heat insulating partition wall 27 such as the flapper 411, the first switching chamber second flapper 412, the second switching chamber first flapper 421, and the second switching chamber second flapper 422, the heat insulating partition wall 27 Can be easily maintained by removing the.

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

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

The second evaporator 14b is defrosted by energizing the defrost heater 21, which is a heating means provided in the lower part of the second evaporator 14b, with the compressor 24 stopped. As the defrost heater 21 (heater), for example, an electric heater of 50 W to 200 W may be adopted, and in this embodiment, it is a radiant heater of 150 W. The defrosted water generated during the defrosting of the second evaporator 14b is discharged from the lower trough 23b of the second evaporator chamber 8b to the second evaporating dish 32 provided at the upper part of the compressor 24 via the second drain pipe 23c. It evaporates due to heat radiation from the compressor 24 and ventilation by a fan (not shown) provided in the machine chamber 39.

Next, the air passage configuration in the refrigerator will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 6 and FIG. 2 as appropriate. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the flow of cold air inside the back surface of the refrigerator. Note that FIG. 3 is a front view showing a state in which the door, the container, and the heat insulating partition wall 27 described later are removed.

As shown in FIG. 3, a first fan 9a is provided above the first evaporator 14a. The cooling air sent out by the first fan 9a is blown to the refrigerating chamber 2 through the refrigerating chamber air passage 110 and the refrigerating chamber discharge port 110a to cool the inside of the refrigerating chamber 2. Here, the first fan 9a is constituted of, for example, a turbo fan (rearward fans) is a centrifugal fan, and can control the rotational speed to a high speed (1600Min ^-1) and low speed (1000min ^-1). The air blown to the refrigerating chamber 2 returns to the first evaporator chamber 8a from the refrigerating chamber return port 110b (see FIG. 2) and the refrigerating chamber return port 110c, and exchanges heat with the first evaporator 14a again.

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

An ice making chamber discharge port 120a is provided on the back surface of the ice making chamber 3. The ice making chamber discharge port 120a is provided in the upper part of the ice making chamber 3. A freezing chamber discharge port 120b is provided on the back surface of the freezing chamber 4. The freezing chamber discharge port 120b is provided in the upper part of the freezing chamber 4. The ice making chamber discharge port 120a and the freezing chamber discharge port 120b communicate with the freezing chamber air passage 130. The cold air sent out from the second fan 9b passes through the freezing chamber air passage 130 as shown by the broken line arrow, branches, and is discharged from the ice making chamber discharge port 120a and the freezing chamber discharge port 120b as shown by the solid line arrow. Will be done.

The refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has a first switching chamber first flapper 411, a first switching chamber second flapper 412, and a second switching chamber first as means for shutting off air to the first switching chamber 5 and the second switching chamber 6. It is equipped with a flapper 421 and a second flapper 422 in the second switching chamber. The first switching chamber first flapper 411 and the first switching chamber second flapper 412 are mounted on the partition at the back of the first switching chamber 5. The second switching chamber first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber second flapper 422 are mounted on substantially the back of the second switching chamber 6. Here, the opening area of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 is formed to be larger than the opening area of the first switching chamber second flapper 412. The opening area of the first flapper 421 of the second switching chamber is formed to be larger than the opening area of the second flapper 422 of the second switching chamber.

The second evaporator 14b is provided in the second evaporator chamber 8b substantially behind the first switching chamber 5, the second switching chamber 6, and the heat insulating partition wall 30. A second fan 9b is provided above the second evaporator 14b. The second fan 9b is a turbo fan (rearward fan) which is a centrifugal fan, and the rotation speed can be controlled to a ^{high speed (1800 min -1} ) and a low speed (1200 min ^-1). The air that has cooled the ice making chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 4 returns from the freezing chamber return port 120c to the second evaporator chamber 8b (below the second evaporator 14b) via the freezing chamber return air passage 120d, and is second again. Heat exchanges with the evaporator 14b.

The first switching chamber return port 111c is formed in the lower part of the back surface of the first switching chamber 5. The cold air after cooling the first switching chamber 5 is discharged from the first switching chamber return port 111c and enters the second evaporator chamber 8b (below the second evaporator 14b) via the freezing chamber return air passage 120d. It returns and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again.

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

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

Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is provided with second switching chamber first discharge ports 112a and 112a for discharging cold air into the second switching chamber 6. The first discharge port 112a of the second switching chamber is formed elongated in the width direction (left and right directions), and is located on the left side of the center in the width direction (on the opposite side of the second switching chamber return port 112c in the left and right direction). .. Further, the first discharge port 112a of the second switching chamber is located above the center in the height direction inside the refrigerator.

Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a second switching chamber second discharge port 112b for discharging cold air into the second switching chamber 6. The second discharge port 112b of the second switching chamber is formed on the left side surface of the heat insulating partition wall 27. As a result, the cold air discharged from the second discharge port 112b of the second switching chamber is discharged toward the inner wall surface (left side surface) of the inner box 10b. Further, the heat insulating partition wall 27 is formed with a second switching chamber communication passage 112d for communicating the second switching chamber second discharge port 112b and the second switching chamber second flapper 422.

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

In this way, by providing a downwardly extending air passage (second switching chamber return air passage 112e) between the second switching chamber return port 112c and the second evaporator chamber inlet 112f, the second fan 9b can be provided. When stopped, the low temperature air in the second evaporator chamber 8b is less likely to flow back into the second switching chamber 6. As a result, the refrigerator 1 is less likely to be overcooled, especially when the second switching chamber 6 is set to the refrigerating temperature. Since it is sufficient that there is an air passage extending downward from the return port 112c of the second switching chamber to the inlet 112f of the second evaporator chamber, the air flowing in from the return port 112c of the second switching chamber is upward. It can also be configured to flow in an air passage that extends downward after flowing toward it. Since such a backflow suppression structure is intended to suppress overcooling of the storage chamber, it is not limited to the switching chamber, but is stored in a refrigerating chamber, a chilled chamber, or a weak freezer chamber (that is, approximately -10 ° C or -7 ° C as the lower limit). It can be placed between the temperature chamber) and the evaporator chamber.

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

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

When the first switching chamber second flapper 412 is controlled to be in the open state, the air boosted by the second fan 9b is the second fan discharge air passage 12, the first switching chamber air passage 140, and the first switching chamber. Discharge from the second discharge port 111b of the first switching chamber provided in the second flapper 412 and the discharge port forming member 111 (see FIG. 4) toward the side wall of the first switching chamber 5, and inside the first switching chamber container 5b. Indirectly cool the food. The air that has cooled the first switching chamber 5 flows through the return port 111c of the first switching chamber and the return air passage 120d of the freezing chamber, returns to the second evaporator chamber 8b, and exchanges heat with the second evaporator 14b again. Indirect cooling is a method of supplying and cooling the stored food so that the cold air does not come into direct contact with the stored food in order to prevent the food from drying.

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

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

In the present embodiment, the first switching chamber air passage 140 and the second switching chamber air passage 150 are composed of the damper duct member 300 described later.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a refrigerating cycle of the refrigerator according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 7, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment has a compressor 24, an external radiator 50a as a heat radiating means for radiating refrigerant, and a wall heat radiating pipe 50b (a region between the outer box 10a and the inner box 10b). (Placed on the inner surface of the outer box 10a), the front surface of the heat insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30 (see FIG. 2) and the dew condensation prevention pipe that suppresses dew condensation near the front edge of the heat insulating box 10 (see FIG. 2). 50c (located on the inner surface of the heat insulating partition walls 28, 29, 30), the first capillary tube 53a and the second capillary tube 53b, which are depressurizing means for reducing the amount of refrigerant, and the inside of the refrigerator by exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the air inside the refrigerator. It is provided with a first evaporator 14a and a second evaporator 14b that absorb the heat of the above. Further, the refrigerator 1 includes a dryer 51 for removing water during the refrigeration cycle, gas- liquid separators 54a and 54b for suppressing the inflow of the liquid refrigerant into the compressor 24, a refrigerant control valve 52 for controlling the refrigerant flow path, and a reverse. It is provided with a check valve 56 and a refrigerant merging portion 55 for connecting the refrigerant flow. These are connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant is isobutane, which is a flammable refrigerant.

The refrigerant control valve 52 includes outlets 52a and 52b. Further, the refrigerant control valve 52 opens the outlet 52a and closes the outlet 52b in "state 1", closes the outlet 52a and opens the outlet 52b "state 2", and the outlet 52a and the outlet. It is a valve that can be switched to four states: "state 3" in which all 52b are closed, and "state 4" in which both the outlet 52a and the outlet 52b are open.

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

When the refrigerating chamber 2 is cooled by the first evaporator 14a, the refrigerant control valve 52 is controlled to the "state 1" in which the refrigerant flows to the outlet 52a side. The refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 52a is decompressed by the first capillary tube 53a to a low temperature and low pressure, enters the first evaporator 14a and exchanges heat with the air in the refrigerator, and then enters the gas-liquid separator 54a and the first capillary tube 53a. It flows through the heat exchange section 57a and the refrigerant confluence section 55 that exchange heat with the refrigerant of the above, and returns to the compressor 24.

When the ice making chamber 3, the freezing chamber 4, the first switching chamber 5, and the second switching chamber 6 are cooled by the second evaporator 14b, the refrigerant control valve 52 is set to the "state 2" in which the refrigerant flows to the outlet 52b side. Control. The refrigerant flowing out from the outlet 52b is depressurized by the second capillary tube 53b to become a low temperature and low pressure, enters the second evaporator 14b and exchanges heat with the air in the refrigerator, and then enters the gas-liquid separator 54b and the second capillary tube 53b. The heat exchange section 57b, the check valve 56, and the refrigerant confluence section 55, which exchange heat with the refrigerant of the above, flow in this order, and return to the compressor 24. The check valve 56 is arranged so as to block the flow from the refrigerant merging portion 55 toward the second evaporator 14b side.

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

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

The front panel 210 is made of synthetic resin and has a substantially rectangular plate portion 211 when viewed from the front. Further, the front panel 210 is formed with a rectangular opening 212 having a large opening area at the upper portion. Further, in the front panel 210, in the vicinity of the opening 212, the opening 213 (first switching chamber second discharge) having an opening area smaller than that of the opening 212 toward the inner wall surface (left side surface) of the inner box 10b (see FIG. 4). The outlet 111b) is formed. The opening 213 is formed on the side surface of the projecting portion 211a formed so as to project from the plate portion 211.

Further, in the front panel 210, a rectangular opening 214 having a large opening area is formed in the lower part of the plate portion 211. Further, in the front panel 210, in the vicinity of the opening 214, the opening 215 (second switching chamber second discharge) having an opening area smaller than that of the opening 214 toward the inner wall surface (left side surface) of the inner box 10b (see FIG. 4). The outlet 112b) is formed. The opening 215 is formed on the side surface of the protruding portion 211b formed so as to protrude from the plate portion 211.

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

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

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

Further, the first switching chamber temperature sensors 43a and 43b are provided on the upper part of the plate portion 211. On the other hand, the first switching chamber temperature sensor 43b is located inside the discharge port forming member 111. Further, the second switching chamber temperature sensors 44a and 44b are provided in the lower part of the plate portion 211. On the other hand, the second switching chamber temperature sensor 44b is located inside the discharge port forming member 112.

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

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

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

Further, the rear panel 220 is formed with a freezing chamber return air passage 120d extending in the vertical direction at the right end when viewed from the front side. The freezing chamber return air passage 120d communicates with the return communication passage 224. Further, a freezing chamber return port 120c communicating with the freezing chamber return air passage 120d is formed in the upper part of the rear panel 220.

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

The foaming heat insulating material 230 is composed of a combination of the first foaming heat insulating material 230A and the second foaming heat insulating material 230B. The first foaming heat insulating material 230A has a notch hole 232A communicating with the opening 212, a notch hole 234A communicating with the opening 214, a notch hole 235 communicating with the first switching chamber return port 111c, and a second switching chamber return port. A notch 236 communicating with 112c is formed. The second foamed heat insulating material 230B is formed with a notch hole 232B communicating with the notch hole 232A and a notch hole 234B communicating with the notch hole 234A.

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

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

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

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

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

Further, in the front case 310, a screw boss 310c is formed so as to project between the cylindrical rib 315 and the tubular rib 316. Further, in the front case 310, a screw boss 310d is formed so as to project between the cylindrical rib 317 and the tubular rib 318.

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

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

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the heat insulating partition wall when viewed from diagonally rearward.
As shown in FIG. 9, a recessed portion 217a is formed on the back surface of the front panel 210 (plate portion 211) so as to project rearward. Further, on the back surface of the front panel 210 (plate portion 211), a recessed portion 217b is formed so as to project rearward. Further, on the back surface of the front panel 210, a protrusion 210c having a screw insertion hole is formed so as to project rearward.

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

Further, on the back surface of the rear panel 220, a screw boss 226 that protrudes rearward (toward the damper duct member 300) is formed. The screw boss 226 is inserted into the recessed portion 330 of the damper duct member 300.

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

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

The damper member 420 corresponds to the second switching chamber 6 (see FIG. 3), and is the same as the damper member 410. Further, the damper member 420 is a twin damper provided with a second switching chamber first flapper 421 and a second switching chamber second flapper 422. Further, the damper member 420 includes a drive unit 413 that drives the second switching chamber first flapper 421 and the second switching chamber second flapper 422. The first flapper 421 of the second switching chamber corresponds to a size that can open and close the opening 312a (see FIG. 8). The second flapper 422 of the second switching chamber corresponds to a size that can open and close the opening 312b (see FIG. 8).

The damper member 430 corresponds to the ice making chamber 3 (see FIG. 3) and the freezing chamber 4 (see FIG. 3). Further, the damper member 430 is a single damper provided with a flapper 431 (see FIG. 3). Further, the damper member 430 includes a damper frame 432 that supports the flapper 431 (see FIG. 3) and a drive unit 433 that drives the flapper 431 (see FIG. 3). The drive unit 433 has a side surface 433a having a rectifying function.

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

Further, the cords W1 and W2 (electric wires) extend from the damper members 410 and 420 and are arranged. The cord W1 extends downward from the damper member 410. The cord W2 extends upward from the damper member 420.

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

Further, the outer peripheral edge portion 311b of the front case 310 has a side edge portion 311s extending linearly in the vertical direction along the side portions of the damper members 410 and 420, and a curvature formed by being curved along the second fan 9b. It has an edge portion 311t and a side edge portion 311u extending linearly in the vertical direction along the right side portion of the damper member 420.

Further, a straightening vane 311x, 311y, 311z is formed on the plate portion 311a of the front case 310. These straightening vanes 311x to 311z have a function of guiding the wind discharged from the second fan 9b to the upper damper member 430, and are located between the second fan 9b and the curved edge portion 311t. Further, the straightening vanes 311x to 311z are arranged side by side along the curved edge portion 311t. Further, the straightening vane 311y also has a function as a cord suppressing member described later.

Further, the straightening vane 311x, 311y, 311z is configured such that the inner wall surface 311x1, 311y1, 311z1 is a substantially continuous surface. As a result, the wind from the second fan 9b can be effectively rectified and sent to the damper member 430.

Further, the drive unit 433 of the damper member 430 is located in the vicinity of the straightening vane 311z and has a side surface 433a forming a surface continuous with the straightening vane 311z. As a result, since the side surface 433a forms a part of the air passage together with the straightening vanes 311x to 311z, wind damage can be reduced.

Further, the recessed portion 330 described above protrudes rearward from the plate portion 311a of the front case 310. A hole 330a (see FIG. 11) is formed through the tip surface of the recessed portion 330.

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

The cord holding member 311m is located below the damper member 410. The cord W1 extending from the damper member 410 is passed and held between the side edge portion 311s and the cord restraining member 311m.

The cord holding member 311n is located above the damper member 420. The cord W2 extending from the damper member 420 is passed and held between the side edge portion 311u and the cord restraining member 311n.

The cord holding member 311o is located in the vicinity of the curved edge portion 311t. The cords W1 and W2 extending from the damper members 410 and 420 are passed and held between the curved edge portion 311t and the cord restraining member 311o.

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

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

The cords W1 and W2 passed through the cord restraining member 311o are combined with the cord W3 extending from the second fan 9b, and are passed between the straightening vanes 311x, 311y, 311z and the curved edge portion 311t. Then, the cords W1 to W3 are grouped together with the cords (not shown) extending from the damper member 430, and are pulled out from the upper end portion of the damper duct member 300 to the outside. In this way, since the cord W3 can be merged with the cords W1 and W2, the assemblability can be improved.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Returning to FIG. 11, the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313 is located above the second fan fixing portion 311c. Further, the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313 is formed by a fixing plate 313a for fixing the damper frame 432 (see FIG. 10) standing upright on the plate portion 311a. The fixing plate 313a is formed with a rectangular notch 313b through which cold air passes. Further, the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313 is formed with a fitting portion 313c in which the drive portion 433 (see FIG. 10) is fitted and arranged. Further, in the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313, when the damper (flapper 431) of the damper member 430 is opened, the damper is retracted so that the damper (flapper) does not obstruct the flow of the cold air discharged from the second fan 9b. A recessed portion 313d is formed.

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

Ribs 314b are formed on the inner wall surface of the introduction path 314. The rib 314b is adapted to allow the water flowing down from the joint portion 314a to escape to a position separated from the damper member 430 (see FIG. 10).

Further, in the plate portion 311a, a water guide rib 311q is formed between the damper member 410 (see FIG. 10) and the damper member 420 (see FIG. 10). The water guide rib 311q is located near the upper part of the tubular rib 318 to which the damper member 420 (see FIG. 10) is attached. Further, the water guide rib 311q is formed in a straight line and is formed so as to descend from the left side to the right side. Further, the height of the water guide rib 311q is configured to be higher than that of the contact portion 312d. As a result, it is possible to prevent the water flowing down from above the damper member 420 from being applied to the second flapper 422 of the second switching chamber of the damper member 420.

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

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

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

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

In the front case 310 and the rear case 320 configured in this way, the outer peripheral edge portion 311b (see FIG. 11) and the outer peripheral edge portion 321b are butted against each other, and the rib 311b1 (see FIG. 11) and the rib 321b1 are fitted to each other. Combined by. By combining the front case 310 and the rear case 320 in this way, it is possible to effectively suppress the leakage of cold air to the outside of the damper duct member 300.

FIG. 14 is an arrow view in the XIV direction of FIG. In FIG. 14, the codes W1, W2, and W3 are not shown.
As shown in FIG. 14, a damper member 430 (see FIG. 10) is attached to the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313 formed on the plate portion 311a of the front case 310. That is, the freezing chamber damper fixing portion 313 has a square frame-shaped fixing plate 313a, and the damper member 430 is fixed to the fixing plate 313a. Further, reinforcing members 313e and 313e are formed on the fixing plate 313a.

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

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

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

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the damper member when viewed from the front side.
As shown in FIG. 15, the drive unit 413 includes a square box-shaped box (accommodation unit) 413a. The box 413a has a front surface 414a, a rear surface 414b, a left side surface 414c, a right side surface 414d, a lower surface 414e, and an upper surface 414f.

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

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

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

The first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber includes a base material 411a made of synthetic resin (see FIG. 16) and a sealing material 411b made of silicone rubber coated on the front surface of the base material 411a. .. The first switching chamber second flapper 412 is configured to include a synthetic resin base material 412a (see FIG. 16) and a silicone rubber sealing material 412b coated on the front surface of the base material 412a. ..

The sealing material 411b has a vertically long substantially rectangular shape, and has a shape in which R is added to the corners P10 at the four corners in the circumferential direction. Further, the sealing material 411b has a shape in which the central portion 411b1 and the outer peripheral portion 411b2 are raised and formed, and a recess 411b3 is formed between the central portion 411b1 and the outer peripheral portion 411b2. The position where the opening 312a abuts on the sealing material 411b is between the outer peripheral portion 411b2 and the recess 411b3. Further, the Rs of the respective corner portions P10 all have the same curvature. For example, by setting the ratio of R of one corner (length over one dimension S10) to 19% or more of the total width W of the sealing material 411b, the sealing property between the opening 312a and the sealing material 411b is improved. can.
Here, the sealing property of the flapper will be described.
FIG. 25 shows the distribution of the strain of the sealing material 411b when the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber abuts on the contact portion 312c and seals. FIG. 26 is a vector diagram of the corner portion 501 of the sealing material 411b in the tensile direction.
The sealing material 411b has a corner portion 501 corresponding to the above-mentioned R portion and a straight portion corresponding to a linearly extending portion of the above-mentioned dimension W for each edge (referred to as each side for convenience) in each direction. 502 and. Since the sealing material 411b has a rectangular shape in the present embodiment, it is provided with four straight portions 502 and four corner portions 501 including the long side. The overall dimension of the long side can be set, for example, to be 100% or more and 140% or less of the overall dimension of the short side (dimension of corner portion 501 + dimension of straight portion 502). Considering the application to the air passage of the refrigerator, it can be preferably set between 110% and 140% and 115% and 130%.
In FIG. 25, the black region has less distortion and has high adhesion between the sealing material 411b and the contact portion 312c. As is clear from the figure, the adhesion is relatively weak in the vicinity of the corner portion 501.
Consider this event. FIG. 27 shows a post-deformation seal in which the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber comes into close contact with the edge position 503 of the sealing material 411b at the initial sealing position where the contact portion 312c abuts and begins to seal, and the sealing property is improved. It is a figure which shows the position 504 of the edge of the seal material 411b of a position.
As for the dimension S of the straight portion 502, since the difference between the dimension S1 at the initial seal position 503 and the dimension S2 at the deformed seal position 504 is small or no, the distortion at the time of sealing is small. On the other hand, in the dimension R of the corner portion 501 of the sealing material 411b, the change from the dimension R1 at the initial sealing position 503 to the dimension R2 at the post-deformation sealing position 504 is larger than that of the straight portion 502, and tension is generated and strain is large. .. That is, the distortion becomes smaller as it approaches a straight line. It is presumed that the sealing property is improved by reducing the curvature of the corner portion 501.
This point will be confirmed by taking four examples. FIGS. 28A to 28D show four shapes of the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber, and are views for evaluating the adhesion of the sealing material 411b when the sealing material 411b is in contact with the contact portion 312c and sealed. When the ratio (S10) of R of one corner to the total width W of the short side of the sealing material 411b is 19% in FIG. 28A, 23% in FIG. 28B, 31% in FIG. 28C, and 39 in FIG. 28D. The case of% is shown. In each case, the dimensions of the straight portion 502 are the same. Therefore, the larger the ratio (S10), the smaller the curvature. The value of R in FIGS. 28A to 28D is an actual R dimension. Certainly, it was confirmed that the sealing property was improved as the ratio of R (S10) increased. As a method of this confirmation, the strain distribution may be acquired by simulation or measurement, or the amount of leakage may be measured by flowing colored smoke with the sealing material 411b and the contact portion 312c in close contact with each other. You may go by doing.
FIG. 29 is a graph in which the ratio of R is on the horizontal axis and the opening area of the flapper 411 is on the vertical axis, and the sealing performances (×, Δ, ◯, ⊚) confirmed in FIGS. 28A to 28D are also shown. In addition, "◎" means "excellent", "○" means "good", "△" means "possible", and "×" means "no".
Since the cross-sectional shape of the duct provided with the flapper 411 used in the refrigerator is usually close to a rectangle, the dimension of the straight portion 502 is larger than the dimension of the corner portion 501 occupying one side, that is, considering the applicability to the refrigerator. It is preferable that the ratio of R (S10) is small. In this case, the opening area can be increased under the condition that the dimensions of one side are the same. However, in this case, the sealing property is relatively low as described above. On the other hand, if the sealing property is pursued, the opening area cannot be secured.
In this respect, as can be seen from the graph of FIG. 29, when the ratio of R (S10) exceeds 31%, the opening area decreases rapidly, but it is already in a sufficient state for improving the sealing property. Further, when the ratio of R (S10) is less than 19%, the increase in the opening area becomes slow, but the sealing property becomes unbearable for application to a refrigerator.
Therefore, the ratio of R (S10) is preferably 19% or more, more preferably 23% or more, and even more preferably 31% or more from the viewpoint of sealing property. Further, from the viewpoint of securing the opening area, 31% or less is preferable, and 23% or less and 19% or less are more preferable.

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

The box 413a is formed with a flapper support portion cover 415 (covering portion) that covers the outside of the flapper support portion 413c. The flapper support portion cover 415 has a front surface portion 415a that covers the front surface side of the flapper support portion 413c, a side surface portion 415b that covers the right side surface side (the side opposite to the first switching chamber second flapper 412 in the left-right direction), and an upper surface. It has an upper surface portion 415c that covers the side. As described above, the flapper support portion cover 415 is formed on a surface (a surface excluding the rear side and the left side side) excluding the rotation range of the first switching chamber second flapper 412. Further, a screw fixing portion 413e is integrally formed on the flapper support portion cover 415. By providing such a flapper support portion cover 415, it is difficult for water to splash on the flapper support portion 413c.

Further, the box 413a is formed with a support member 415d that rotatably holds the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber. The support member 415d is formed so as to extend downward from the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. A screw fixing portion 413d is integrally formed at the lower end of the support member 415d.

The flapper support portion 413c is composed of a rod-shaped (shaft-shaped) member, and is formed so as to project upward in the vertical direction from the upper surface 414f of the box 413a. Further, the flapper support portion 413c is formed with an umbrella portion 416 formed so as to project outward in the radial direction.

The box 413a is configured such that the connector 418 is exposed to the outside of the box 413a. The connector 418 is configured such that the terminal 418a (connection terminal) projects downward. Further, the connector 418 has a shape (space) in which the corner portion of the box 413a is cut out in a triangular shape in a plan view, and protrudes downward from the upper surface (ceiling surface) 414r thereof. That is, the terminal 418a of the connector 418 is configured to face downward from the box 413a.

Further, on the rear surface 414b (the surface opposite to the first switching chamber 5) of the box 413a, a guide rib 417 that inclines downward from the left side to the right side is formed. The upper end of the guide rib 417 is located above the space where the connector 418 is attached.

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

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

The first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber has a base material 411a made of synthetic resin. The base material 411a is formed with claws 411c protruding from a plurality of places. In the first switching chamber first flapper 411, the sealing material 411b is held by the base material 411a by inserting the claw 411c into the hole formed in the sealing material 411b.

Further, the base material 411a is formed with arm portions 411d and 411d. The arm portion 411d projects laterally from the base material 411a and is vertically separated from the base material 411a. The upper arm portion 411d is provided with a flapper support portion 413b. The flapper support portion 413b is connected to and fixed to the shaft g2 described later.

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

Further, the arm portion 412d is formed on the base material 412a so as to project laterally. The arm portion 412d is fixed to the flapper support portion 413c. The flapper support portion 413c has a shaft portion 413k extending in the vertical direction, and an umbrella portion 416 having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion 413k is formed at the lower portion of the shaft portion 413k (below the arm portion 412d). ing.

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

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

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

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

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

Further, the guide rib 417 has a function of guiding the water flowing to the rear surface 414b toward the lower side of the case body 413A. Further, the guide rib 417 is inclined so as to descend from the left side surface 414c side toward the right side surface 414d side. Further, the upper end of the guide rib 417 is located at the upper end of the left end of the rear surface 414b. Further, the lower end of the guide rib 417 is located at the center of the right end of the rear surface 414b in the vertical direction. Further, the lower end of the guide rib 417 is configured to be continuously formed with the fixed portion 414j. Further, the upper end side of the guide rib 417 is located above the side where the connector 418 is provided. Further, the lower end side of the design rib 417 is located on the side where the connector 418 is not provided.

By providing such a guide rib 417, the water that has flowed down from the upper surface 414f of the box 413a to the rear surface 414b flows downward along the guide rib 417 and flows downward through the side of the damper member 410. Further, since the inclination angle of the guide rib 417 is gently formed, water does not fall off in the middle of the guide rib 417. The shape and inclination angle of the guide rib 417 can be appropriately set.

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

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

Further, the screw bosses 414g, 414h, 414i are fitted from above with respect to the fixing portions 414j, 414k, 414m of the case body 413A. Screw insertion holes through which screws 280 are inserted are formed through the fixing portions 414j, 414k, and 414m. After the screw 280 is inserted into the screw insertion hole from below, it is screwed to the screw bosses 414g, 414h, 414i of the cover member 413B.

Further, a shaft hole 413j from which the shaft portion g1 of the gear member G protrudes is formed on the upper surface 414f of the cover member 413B. The shaft hole 413j is located at the front and right corners. Further, the flapper support portion cover 415 described above is integrally formed on the cover member 413B.

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

The screw boss 414h at the position where the connector 418 is provided is formed to have a shorter vertical length than the other screw bosses 414i.

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

Further, the umbrella portion 416 is located above the upper surface 414f. Further, the umbrella portion 416 is located at substantially the same height as the lower end of the first switching chamber second flapper 412. Further, the umbrella portion 416 has an inclined surface 416a that descends from the center of the shaft toward the outer peripheral side. As a result, water can flow toward the upper surface 414f without collecting water on the inclined surface 416a. Further, since water flows outward in the radial direction, it becomes difficult for water to enter the gap between the shaft portion 413k and the shaft hole 413j.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIX-XIX of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 19, the corner portion (edge portion) of the box 413a is formed with an R (R). The curvatures of the lower corners P3 and P4 of the box 413a are formed to be small. On the other hand, the curvature of the upper corners P1 and P2 of the box 413a is formed to be larger than the curvature of the corners P3 and P4.

By increasing the radius of the corner of the upper surface 414f of the box 413a in this way, the water adhering to the upper surface 414f can easily escape to the left side surface 414c and the right side surface 414d. As a result, it is possible to prevent the inconvenience that water collects on the upper surface 414f and freezes, and the opening / closing operation of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 is hindered.

Although not shown, the front and rear corners of the box 413a are also configured such that the front and rear corners R of the upper portion are larger than the R of the front and rear corners of the lower portion, as in FIG. .. Therefore, the water adhering to the upper surface 414f can easily flow toward the rear surface 414b, and the inconvenience that the water freezes on the upper surface 414f can be suppressed. Further, the water flowing to the rear surface 414b flows downward along the rear surface 414b by the guide rib 417 described above, and the water does not collect in the box 413a.

FIG. 20 is a front view of the heat insulating partition duct plate.
As shown in FIG. 20, in the heat insulating partition duct plate 400, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are fixed to each other from the front panel 210 side facing the inside of the refrigerator by using screws 250a and 250b. At this time, the screws 250a and 250b are provided in the vicinity of the cylindrical rib 315. This makes it possible to increase the adhesion of the sealing member 240 (see FIGS. 22 and 23) provided between the tubular rib 315 and the front panel 210 for suppressing cold air leakage.

Further, the discharge port forming member 111 is fixed to the front panel 210 via a screw 250c. Further, the discharge port forming member 112 is fixed to the front panel 210 via a screw 250d. Further, the front panel 210 is fixed via the screw boss 310e (see FIG. 9) of the damper duct member 300 and the screw 250e.

As described above, since the screw 250a is covered with the discharge port forming member 111, it is difficult for water adhering to the front panel 210 to enter around the screw 250a. Further, since the screw 250b is located in the groove portion 216, it is difficult for water to enter the screw 250b.

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

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

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

Further, the screw boss 226 formed so as to project from the back surface of the rear panel 220 is inserted into the recessed portion 330 of the front case 310. Further, the recessed portion 330 abuts against the recessed portion 340 formed in the rear case 320. Then, the screw 260 is inserted from the recessed portion 340 side (rear side) and inserted into the screw insertion hole 340a (see FIG. 13). Then, the screw 260 is screwed into the screw boss 226 after being inserted into the screw insertion hole (see FIG. 11) of the recessed portion 330.

In this way, the heat insulating partition wall 27 and the damper duct member 300 are screwed and fixed. The damper members 410 and 420 are attached to the damper duct member 300, which is easily attached and detached, by (preferably screwing). Can be improved.

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

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

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

Further, in the plate portion 310a, a contact portion 312c (convex portion) that is convex toward the side of the first switching chamber first flapper 411 (see FIG. 9) is formed on the edge of the opening 312a. The contact portion 312c is formed in a convex shape on the side of the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber with respect to the reference surface 312s. Further, on the front surface of the contact portion 312c, a lightening portion 312c1 having a concave cross-sectional shape is formed along the contact portion 312c. In the present embodiment, the upper side portion 312t and the left and right side side portions 312u and 312u (see FIG. 12) of the contact portion 312c are convex toward the first flapper 411 (see FIG. 21) side of the first switching chamber. It is formed. Further, the upper side portion 312t and the left and right side side portions 312u and 312u are also formed with a lightening portion (not shown) having a concave cross-sectional view as described above. Further, the lower side portion 312v is not formed so as to project toward the first flapper 411 side of the first switching chamber with respect to the reference surface 312s. In this way, it is possible to improve the strength of the contact portion 312c with which the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber abuts and prevent deformation due to the flapper contact. By forming the contact portion with high strength, it is possible to enhance the airtightness between the contact portion 312c and the silicone rubber sealing material 411b (see FIG. 10) of the first switching chamber first flapper 411.

In the present embodiment, the case where the edge of the opening 312a is formed in a convex shape has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the thickness is replaced with the convex shape. It may be a plate thickness portion formed so as to have a large size.

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

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

In the present embodiment, the case where the edge of the opening 312b is formed in a convex shape has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the thickness is replaced with the convex shape. It may be a plate thickness portion formed so as to have a large size. As a result, deformation of the flapper at the time of contact can be suppressed.

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

In the heat insulating partition wall 27, the tubular rib 315 has an opening 222 of the rear panel 220, a cutout hole 232A of the first foamed heat insulating material 230A, a cutout hole 232B of the second foamed heat insulating material 230B, and an edge of the opening 214 of the front panel 210. It is attached by contacting the part. As a result, it is possible to prevent cold air from leaking into, for example, an unintended gap between the rear panel 220, the first foam insulating material 230A, the second foam insulating material 230B, and the front panel 210, and leaking to an unintended place. .. The tubular rib 315 also functions as a blocking portion for blocking the gap between these two opening sides.

Further, a sealing member 240 is provided between the cylindrical rib 315 and the front panel 210 to suppress cold air leakage. The seal member 240 is, for example, a sheet member made of soft urethane.

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

Further, the front surface 414a (see FIG. 18) of the box 413a is in contact with the surfaces 312s of the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A so that no gap is formed. Further, by arranging the first flapper 411 of the first switching chamber in an inclined manner, the upper surface 414f of the box 413a is arranged in an inclined state. That is, the upper surface 414f is inclined so as to descend toward the rear side. By the way, since it is a place where low-temperature cold air passes, ice is generated when water collects on the upper surface 414f, which makes it difficult to open and close the first switching chamber second flapper 412. Therefore, by arranging the damper member 410 in an inclined manner and inclining the box 413a, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of water on the upper surface 414f.

Further, a guide rib 417 is formed on the rear surface 414b (see FIG. 16) of the box 413a. As a result, even if the water flowing through the inclined upper surface 414f flows to the rear surface 414b, the water flows down to the side (right side surface 414d side) by the guide rib 417. Therefore, it is possible to prevent water from splashing on the connector 418 side.

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

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

The damper member 420 is fixed to the heat insulating partition wall 27 with a similar inclination in the same manner as the damper member 410 described above. Further, in the damper member 420, similarly to the damper member 410, the tip end (front end) of the tubular rib 317 comes into contact with the peripheral edge portion of the opening of the heat insulating partition wall 27 via the seal member 240, so that the damper duct member 300 and the damper duct member 300 The airtightness with the heat insulating partition wall 27 is ensured, and the leakage of cold air from the damper member 420 to the inside of the refrigerator (heat insulating partition wall 27) is effectively suppressed.

By the way, in the damper duct member 300, in order to prevent freezing, the lower inner wall surface 315a of the tubular rib 317 is inclined so as to go down toward the front. Normally, when the front case 310 is resin-molded, it is sufficient to facilitate the mold that moves in the front-rear direction (S100, S200), but in the present embodiment, the slide mold that moves further downward (S300) is used. The front case 310 is manufactured using the product. Since the length of the inclination of the cylindrical rib 318 is short, it is not necessary to use the slide mold described above.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the damper fixing portion of the first switching chamber.
As shown in FIG. 24, in the first switching chamber damper fixing portion 312A, an inclined surface 312f is formed below the damper member 410. The inclined surface 312f is inclined so as to descend toward the rear. Further, a protrusion 311p is formed at the lower end of the inclined surface 312f toward the rear. The protrusion 311p, the upper surface, and the surface of the inclined surface 312f are formed flush with each other and are formed in a linear cross-sectional view. Further, the protruding portion 311p is formed so as to project rearward from the plate portion 311a. Further, a surface heater H12 is provided on the surface of the plate portion 311a. In this surface heater H12, the heat transfer wire h1 is covered with an aluminum sheet h2. Therefore, a bonded surface M1 between the aluminum sheet h2 and the plate portion 311a is formed at the upper end of the surface heater H12. Water may enter the surface heater H12 from the bonded surface M1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, by providing the protrusion 311p, the water flowing down from the inclined surface 312f is suppressed from entering the bonding surface M1.

As described above, the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment includes a second evaporator chamber 8b accommodating the second evaporator 14b, a second evaporator chamber 8b, and a first switching chamber 5 (second switching chamber 6). The damper members 410 and 420 for opening and closing the opening 312b provided between the two are provided. The damper members 410 and 420 have a first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) and a first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) provided in contact with and detachable from the opening 312b. The flapper support portion 413c that projects upward toward the drive unit 413 that rotationally drives the two flappers 422) and the upper surface 414f of the drive unit 413 and supports the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422). And have. The flapper support portion 413c includes an umbrella portion 416 having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion 413k of the flapper support portion 413c. According to this, it is possible to prevent the water that has flowed down from the upper part along the flapper support portion 413c from entering the gap between the drive portion 413 and the flapper support portion 413c.

Further, in the present embodiment, the drive unit 413 includes a box 413a for accommodating the drive member DM, and a connector 418 provided on the outer surface of the box 413a and connected to the drive member DM. The connection terminal of the connector 418 is arranged vertically downward with respect to the box 413a. According to this, it is possible to prevent the water that has flowed down to the box 413a from being applied to the connector 418.

Further, in the present embodiment, the box 413a has an upper surface 414f formed by projecting a shaft portion 413k, and a rear surface 414b extending downward from the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface 414f. The rear surface 414b is formed with a guide rib 417 that guides water from the upper part to the lower part along the rear surface 414b. According to this, it is possible to prevent the water flowing from the upper surface 414f to the surroundings from flowing around the connector 418.

Further, in the present embodiment, the damper members 410 and 420 are arranged so that the upper surface 414f is inclined. According to this, it is possible to suppress the accumulation of water on the upper surface 414f of the box 413a, and the opening / closing operation of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422) due to freezing occurs. Can be prevented.

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

Further, in the present embodiment, the box 413a is formed so that the curvatures of the corner portions P1 and P2 of the upper surface 414f are larger than the curvatures of the corner portions P3 and P4 of the lower surface 414e of the box 413a. According to this, the water flowing to the upper surface 414f easily flows to the side surface (front surface 414a, rear surface 414b, left side surface 414c, right side surface 414d), and it is possible to suppress the accumulation of water on the upper surface 414f.

Further, in the present embodiment, the box 413a includes a flapper support portion cover 415 that covers the side surface and the upper surface excluding the operating range of the first switching chamber second flapper 412 (second switching chamber second flapper 422). According to this, it is possible to suppress water from being splashed on the flapper support portion 413c from above.

Further, in the present embodiment, water from above is applied to the side of the damper member 420 between the damper member 410 and the damper member 420 having the damper member 410 and the damper member 420 arranged vertically separated from each other. A water guide rib is formed to let it escape to the direction. According to this, it is possible to prevent water from being applied to the lower damper member 420.

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

The present application embraces the following technical ideas.
[Appendix 1-1]
A cooler room for storing the cooler and
A damper duct member for guiding cold air from the cooler chamber is provided.
The discharge duct is a refrigerator attached by screwing.
[Appendix 1-2]
A fan that boosts the cold air in the cooler chamber,
A fan motor that drives the fan and
A heat insulating partition duct plate to which the fan motor is attached is provided.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 1-1, wherein the damper duct member is screwed to the heat insulating partition duct plate.
Regarding Supplementary Notes 1-1, 1-2, and others, three screws of reference numerals 250a, 250b, and 250e are described from the front side for fixing the heat insulating partition plate 400 and the damper duct member 300 (FIGS. 9, 20-23). etc).
The screw 250a is inserted into the recess 217a of the front panel 210 and the screw boss 310c of the front case 310 (0052, 0147, 0152, FIGS. 9, 22, etc.).
The screw 250e is inserted through the screw boss 310e of the front panel 210 to the front case 310 (0147, 0148, FIGS. 8, 9, etc.).
Reference numerals 260 are given for the screws for fixing the heat insulating partition plate 400 and the damper duct member 300 from the rear side (FIGS. 9, 21 and the like).
The screw 260 is inserted into the recess 340 of the rear case 320, the recess 330 of the front case, and the screw boss 226 of the rear panel 220 (0068, 0105, 0153, FIGS. 9, 21, etc.). [Appendix 1-3]
It has a screw for fixing the heat insulating partition duct plate and the damper duct member.
The screw is provided in the vicinity of the tubular rib of the damper duct member.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 1-1, which is an opening peripheral edge of the tubular rib and has a sealing material between the tubular rib and the front panel of the damper duct member.
According to Appendix 1-3, the adhesion of the sealing material 240 can be increased by tightening the screws 250a and 250 (0147, FIGS. 22, 23, etc.).
[Appendix 1-4]
A fan that boosts the cold air in the cooler chamber,
A straightening vane, which is arranged in the front case of the damper duct member and guides the wind discharged from the fan to the damper, is provided.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 1-1, wherein the straightening vane is located in the vicinity of the side surface of the drive unit of the damper and in a region along the flow path direction of the wind.
According to Appendix 1-4, since the side surface 433a of the drive unit constitutes a part of the air passage together with the straightening vane 311, wind damage can be reduced (0077, FIGS. 10, 11, etc.).
It is preferable that a plurality of the straightening vanes are arranged side by side along the curved edge portion. Further, it is preferable that the straightening vane also has a function as a cord suppressing member.
[Appendix 1-5]
A screw insertion portion (313 g, 313 h) is formed in the front case of the damper duct member.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 1-1, wherein the screws (270a, 270b) inserted through the screw insertion portion are formed at positions that do not overlap with the front case (310 or 311b) in the direction of insertion of the screws.
According to Appendix 1-5, when the damper member 430 is attached to the front case 310, the damper member 430 can be easily attached to the front case 310.
[Appendix 1-6]
The refrigerator according to Appendix 1-5, wherein the two screws inserted through the two screw insertion portions are located diagonally of the member (430) attached by the two screws.
According to Appendix 1-6, when the damper member 430 is fixed to the fixing plate 313a, the damper member 430 can be stably attached to the fixing plate 313a without floating (0109, 0110, FIG. 11 and the like). ..
[Appendix 2]
A substantially rectangular sealing material having an edge including a substantially straight straight portion and a substantially arcuate corner portion when viewed from the front.
A refrigerator equipped with a damper that can move the sealing material and attach / detach it to the opening.
A refrigerator in which the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing material is 19% or more.
[Appendix 3]
A substantially rectangular sealing material having an edge including a substantially straight straight portion and a substantially arcuate corner portion when viewed from the front.
A refrigerator equipped with a damper that can move the sealing material and attach / detach it to the opening.
A refrigerator in which the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing material is 31% or less.
[Appendix 4]
A substantially rectangular sealing material having an edge including a substantially straight straight portion and a substantially arcuate corner portion when viewed from the front.
A refrigerator equipped with a damper that can move the sealing material and attach / detach it to the opening.
A refrigerator in which the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing material is 19% or more and 31% or less.
[Appendix 5-1]
A cooler room for storing the cooler and
A damper duct member that guides cold air from the cooler chamber,
A fan that boosts the cold air in the cooler chamber,
It is provided with a straightening vane, which is arranged on the damper duct member and guides the wind discharged from the fan to the damper.
The straightening vane is a refrigerator located near the side surface of the drive unit of the damper and in a region along the flow path direction of the wind.
[Appendix 5-2]
The fan motor that drives the fan and
A heat insulating partition duct plate to which the fan motor is attached is provided.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 5-1, wherein the damper duct member is attached to the heat insulating partition duct plate by screwing.
[Appendix 5-3]
It has a screwing member for fixing the heat insulating partition duct plate and the damper duct member.
The screwing member is provided in the vicinity of the tubular rib of the damper duct member.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 5-1 which is an opening peripheral edge of the tubular rib and has a sealing material between the tubular rib and the front panel of the damper duct member.
[Appendix 5-4]
A screw insertion portion is formed in the front case of the damper duct member.
The refrigerator according to Appendix 5-1, wherein the screwing member inserted into the screw insertion portion is formed at a position that does not overlap with the front case in the insertion direction view of the screwing member.
[Appendix 5-5]
The refrigerator according to Appendix 5-4, wherein the two screwing members inserted through the two screw insertion portions are located diagonally of the members attached by the two screwing members.

1 Refrigerator 5 First switching room (storage room)
6 Second switching room (storage room)
8b Second evaporator room (cooler room)
9b Second fan (fan)
10 Insulation box body 14b Second evaporator (cooler)
27 Insulation partition wall 210 Front panel 220 Rear panel 230A First foam insulation 230B Second foam insulation 280 Screw 300 Damper duct member 310 Front case 311p Protrusion 311q Water guide rib 320 Rear case 400 Insulation partition duct plate 410 Damper member (No. 1 damper member)
412 1st switching room 2nd flapper (flapper)
413c Flapper support part 413 Drive part 413A Case body cover member 413B Cover member 413a Box (containment box)
413k Shaft 414b Rear surface (side surface)
414f Top surface 414g, 414h, 414i Thread boss 415 Flapper support cover (cover)
415a, 415b Side surface 415c Top surface 416 Umbrella part 417 Guide rib 418 connector 418a terminal (connection terminal)
420 damper member (second damper member)
422 Second switching room Second flapper (flapper)
DM drive member P1, P2 corner (large curvature)
P3, P4 corner (small curvature)

Claims (10)

1. A cooler room that houses the cooler and
   A damper member for opening and closing an opening provided between the cooler chamber and the storage chamber is provided.
   The damper member includes a flapper provided in contact with and detachable from the opening, a drive unit that rotationally drives the flapper, and a flapper support portion that projects upward onto the upper surface of the drive unit and supports the flapper. death,
   The refrigerator is characterized in that the flapper support portion includes an umbrella portion having a diameter larger than that of the shaft portion of the flapper support portion.
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1.
   The drive unit includes a storage box for accommodating the drive member and a connector provided on the outer surface of the storage box and connected to the drive member.
   A refrigerator in which the connection terminal of the connector is arranged vertically downward with respect to the storage box.
3. The refrigerator according to claim 2.
   The storage box has an upper surface formed by projecting the shaft portion and a side surface extending downward from the outer peripheral edge portion of the upper surface portion.
   A refrigerator characterized in that a guide rib for guiding water laterally from the upper part to the lower part is formed on the side surface.
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3.
   The refrigerator is characterized in that the damper member is arranged so that the upper surface thereof is inclined.
5. The refrigerator according to claim 2.
   The storage box includes a case body in which an opening that opens upward is formed, and the drive member is housed, and a cover member that closes the opening.
   The case body and the cover member are fixed via screws, and the case body is fixed.
   The case body is a refrigerator characterized in that a screw hole into which the screw is inserted is formed downward.
6. The refrigerator according to claim 3.
   The storage box is a refrigerator characterized in that the curvature of the corner portion of the upper surface thereof is formed to be larger than the curvature of the corner portion of the lower surface portion of the storage box.
7. The refrigerator according to claim 2.
   The storage box is a refrigerator comprising a covering portion covering the side surface and the upper surface excluding the operating range of the flapper.
8. The refrigerator according to claim 1.
   The damper member has a first damper member and a second damper member that are vertically spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.
   A refrigerator characterized in that a water guide rib for guiding water from above to the side of the second damper member is formed between the first damper member and the second damper member.
9. A substantially rectangular sealing material having an edge including a substantially straight straight portion and a substantially arcuate corner portion when viewed from the front.
   A refrigerator equipped with a damper that can move the sealing material and attach / detach it to the opening.
   A refrigerator in which the ratio of the dimension of the corner portion to the total length of one edge of the sealing material is 19% or more and 31% or less.
10. A cooler room for storing the cooler and
    A damper duct member that guides cold air from the cooler chamber,
    A fan that boosts the cold air in the cooler chamber,
    It is provided with a straightening vane, which is arranged on the damper duct member and guides the wind discharged from the fan to the damper.
    The straightening vane is a refrigerator located near the side surface of the drive unit of the damper and in a region along the flow path direction of the wind.
    

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