WO2022172319A1

WO2022172319A1 - Refrigerator

Info

Publication number: WO2022172319A1
Application number: PCT/JP2021/004751
Authority: WO
Inventors: 毅山村; 剛広山田
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2021-02-09
Filing date: 2021-02-09
Publication date: 2022-08-18
Also published as: JP7387037B2; JPWO2022172319A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a refrigerator comprising: a temperature-switching compartment in which the set temperature can be switched within a temperature range from a refrigeration temperature zone to a freezing temperature zone lower in temperature than the refrigeration temperature zone; a cooler compartment that houses a cooler having a plurality of fins and that cools air and a blower that blows the air cooled by the cooler to the temperature-switching compartment; and a plurality of temperature-switching compartment return ports opening at positions in the cooler compartment that face the cooler and that differ with respect to the airflow direction, one of the temperature-switching compartment return ports guiding temperature-switching compartment return air, the temperature-switching compartment return port that guides the temperature-switching compartment return air being switched on the basis of the temperature range of the temperature-switching compartment. The plurality of fins include a cutout fin provided with a cutout as a region where frost accumulates. The cutout fin is disposed at a position facing the temperature-switching compartment return port guiding the temperature-switching compartment return air in a temperature range nearest to the refrigeration temperature zone, from among the plurality of temperature-switching compartment return ports.

Description

refrigerator

The present disclosure relates to refrigerators equipped with temperature switching compartments.

As a cooler used in a refrigerator, heat transfer tubes are arranged perpendicular to the air flow, and a large number of heat transfer tubes are attached to the outer surface of the heat transfer tubes and arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals so that air flow paths are formed between them. Coolers having fins that

This type of cooler is used as an evaporator in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle and cools the air circulating inside the refrigerator. That is, in the cooler, heat is exchanged between the refrigerant flowing inside the heat transfer tubes and the air flowing outside the heat transfer tubes via the tube walls and fins of the heat transfer tubes, and the refrigerant evaporates to cool the air. be done.

At that time, moisture in the air condenses and adheres to the outer surface of the heat transfer tube and the surface of the fins as it cools, and the moisture is further cooled to form frost. Such frost build-up on the fins increases the air flow resistance and reduces the air volume, increases the thermal resistance on the air side of the fins, impedes heat exchange, and is a factor that reduces the cooling efficiency of the cooler. becomes. Therefore, some refrigerators equipped with this type of cooler are equipped with defrosting means such as an electric heater to melt and remove the frost adhering to the fins of the cooler.

In addition, in order to suppress the formation of frost on the cooler of the refrigerator or the decrease in cooling efficiency caused by the formation of frost, a configuration in which the enveloping volume of the cooler itself is inclined has been proposed. This configuration is employed, for example, in a refrigerator having a configuration in which the cool air that has cooled the storage compartments of the refrigerator is all merged and reflowed into the cooler all at once. According to such a configuration, the moisture adhering to the cooler is easily removed by gravity, and frost formation, inhibition of heat exchange, and reduction in airflow are suppressed, and a refrigerator that can withstand frost formation can be obtained. Further, it has been proposed to improve the effect of frost formation by providing a structure in which regular cutouts are provided in some of the fins arranged at regular intervals.

On the other hand, along with various changes in lifestyles, we did not focus on increasing the storage capacity by dividing the storage compartments such as the refrigerator, freezer, and vegetable compartments according to the temperature, but rather adjusted the temperature according to each user's preference and food ingredients. Refrigerators equipped with switchable compartments that can store food at room temperature and allow fine temperature control have also been proposed.

　In refrigerators equipped with switchable compartments that can be set to various temperatures from the freezer compartment to the vegetable compartment, it is desired to apply technology that optimizes energy saving or cooling performance.

Patent Document 1 proposes a method of reducing energy loss in heat exchange by providing three coolers with different evaporation temperatures in a refrigerator having a temperature switching compartment in addition to a refrigerating compartment and a freezing compartment. According to the method of Patent Literature 1, cold air in each of the refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, and temperature switchable compartment is returned to each of the three coolers.

JP 2015-64153 A

Refrigerators equipped with temperature switchable compartments are configured so that the set temperature of the temperature switchable compartment can be switched over a wide range from the freezing temperature range to the refrigerating temperature range. The temperature difference between the air and the cooler surfaces with which it exchanges heat changes. For this reason, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, even if a method of returning cold air from each of the refrigerator, freezer, and temperature switchable storage compartments to each of the three coolers is adopted, setting the temperature switchable compartments Energy losses in heat exchange or temperature differences occur when the temperature is switched. Therefore, there is a problem that frost adheres to the cooler and the heat exchange efficiency is lowered.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above problems, and aims to provide a refrigerator capable of suppressing a decrease in cooling efficiency.

A refrigerator according to the present disclosure has a temperature switchable chamber whose set temperature is switched in a temperature range from a refrigerating temperature range to a freezing temperature range lower than the refrigerating temperature range, and a plurality of fins to cool air. a cooler chamber that houses a cooler and a blower that sends air cooled by the cooler to the temperature switching chamber; a plurality of temperature-switching chamber return ports that open at positions different from each other, are switched to any one based on the temperature range of the temperature-switching chamber, and flow the return air from the temperature-switching chamber; includes a notched fin provided with a notch as an area where frost accumulates, and the notched fin is a temperature switchable chamber return opening having a temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range among a plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports. It is arranged at a position facing the return port of the temperature switching chamber through which air is led.

According to the refrigerator according to the present disclosure, the notch fin facing the temperature switchable chamber return port through which the temperature switchable chamber return air having a temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range is guided is provided with a notch as a region where frost accumulates. Therefore, even if frost forms on the cooler, a decrease in cooling efficiency is suppressed.

1 is a front view of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a plane taken along line II-II of FIG. 1; 1 is a schematic diagram of a refrigerating cycle of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a rear view schematically showing the structure of the cooler chamber of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the inside of the cooler chamber of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1; FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram related to temperature control by the control device for the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a processing circuit of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 1; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a refrigerator according to a modification of Embodiment 1; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a cooler of a refrigerator according to a modification of Embodiment 1; 7 is a graph for explaining the cooling efficiency of the cooler of the refrigerator according to the modified example of Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of the temperature switchable chamber return air passage of the refrigerator according to Embodiment 2; 8 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 2; FIG. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the periphery of a temperature switching chamber return air passage of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3; FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a refrigerator according to Embodiment 3;

Embodiment 1.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the same or corresponding parts, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified as appropriate. Moreover, the shape, size, arrangement, etc. of the configuration described in each figure can be appropriately changed within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the positional relationship (for example, vertical relationship) of each component in the specification is, in principle, when the refrigerator 1 is installed in a usable state. Here, in the following drawings including FIG. 1, the dimensional relationship and shape of each constituent member may differ from the actual ones.

FIG. 1 is a front view of refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a plane taken along line II-II of FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 includes a body portion 2 in which a refrigerating chamber 3, a temperature switching chamber 4, and a freezing chamber 5 are provided. The refrigerator compartment 3, the temperature switchable compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5 are storage compartments for storing objects to be cooled such as food. The refrigerator compartment 3 is provided on the uppermost stage of the main body portion 2 . Freezer compartment 5 is provided at the bottom of main body 2 . The temperature switchable chamber 4 is provided between the refrigerating chamber 3 and the freezing chamber 5 in the body portion 2 . The main body 2 is a box-like body having heat insulating properties and is composed of an outer box, an inner box, and a heat insulating member. The outer box is made of metal such as steel and has an opening in the front. The inner box is made of resin and is fitted into the outer box through the opening of the outer box. The interior of the inner box is divided into storage compartments by

partition walls

17 and 18 having heat insulating properties. Specifically, the inside of the inner box is partitioned into the refrigerator compartment 3 and the temperature switching compartment 4 by a partition wall 17 . The interior of the inner box is partitioned into the temperature switching compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5 by a partition wall 18 . The heat insulating member is made of urethane foam, for example, and fills the space between the outer box and the inner box. A control device 90 is provided in the upper part of the back side of the refrigerator 1 . Control device 90 controls the operation of refrigerator 1 .

The refrigerator compartment 3, the temperature switching compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5 are each provided with a door for opening and closing each storage compartment. For example, in front of the refrigerating chamber 3, a refrigerating chamber door 13, which is a single door of a one-sided opening type, is provided so as to be freely opened and closed. A drawer-type temperature switching chamber door 14 is provided in front of the temperature switching chamber 4 so as to be freely opened and closed back and forth. A drawer-type freezer compartment door 15 is provided in front of the freezer compartment 5 so as to be freely opened and closed back and forth. The drawer-type temperature switching compartment door 14 and the freezer compartment door 15 are arranged by sliding a frame fixed to the door main body against rails horizontally formed on the left and right inner wall surfaces of each storage compartment. 1 can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction. In addition, the structure of the door of each storage room mentioned above is an example, and it does not restrict to this. For example, the refrigerating compartment door 13 may be a double-opening type or a double door type, and the temperature switching compartment door 14 and the freezing compartment door 15 may be single-opening type single doors.

A shelf (not shown) is provided in the refrigerator compartment 3 for placing items to be cooled such as food. The temperature switching chamber 4 is provided with a storage container (not shown) that can be pulled out to store an object to be cooled. The storage container is supported by the frame of the temperature switching chamber door 14 and configured to slide in the front-rear direction in conjunction with the opening and closing of the temperature switching chamber door 14 . Similar to the temperature switchable chamber 4, the freezer chamber 5 is provided with a storage container (not shown) capable of storing an object to be cooled, which can be pulled out.

The refrigerator compartment 3 is set to the refrigerator temperature range. The refrigeration temperature zone is, for example, a temperature zone of 3°C or higher and 5°C or lower. Freezer compartment 5 is set to a freezing temperature range. The freezing temperature zone is a temperature zone lower than the refrigerating temperature zone. The freezing temperature zone is a temperature zone below 0°C, for example, a temperature zone between -20°C and -18°C.

The temperature switchable chamber 4 can switch the set temperature in the range from the refrigerating temperature range to the freezing temperature range. In the temperature switchable room 4, the temperature range in the room is switched according to the application. The temperature switchable chamber 4 is adjusted to three temperature zones, for example, a chilled temperature zone, a supercooled temperature zone, and a soft freezing temperature zone. Note that the temperature switchable chamber 4 may be adjusted to a temperature zone other than these three temperature zones. Also, the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be selected by the user of the refrigerator 1 . Therefore, the user can adjust the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 according to his or her lifestyle, thereby improving convenience for the user.

A chilled temperature range is a temperature range of 0°C or higher and less than 3°C, for example, a temperature range of around 1°C. By setting the temperature in the temperature switchable chamber 4 within this temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be used as a chilled chamber. The method of using the temperature switchable chamber 4 as a chilled chamber is intended for users who lack the capacity of the refrigerating chamber 3 or users who consume a large amount of food on the day.

The supercooling temperature zone is a temperature zone that is lower than the refrigerating compartment 3 and that food is in a supercooled state. A supercooled state means that even if the temperature of the food reaches the freezing point or below the freezing temperature, the food does not start to freeze and the food maintains a non-freezing state. The supercooling temperature range is, for example, a temperature range of −3° C. or more and less than 0° C., which is below the freezing point of food. By setting the temperature in the temperature switchable chamber 4 to this temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be used as a supercooled storage chamber for storing food in a supercooled state. In order to preserve food while maintaining its quality, it is desirable to maintain food at a temperature as low as possible without freezing. By using the temperature switchable compartment 4 as a supercooled storage compartment, the user can store fresh food such as meat or fish or processed food with a short shelf life without freezing.

The soft freezing temperature range is a temperature range between -10°C and -5°C, for example, around -7°C. By setting the temperature in the temperature switchable chamber 4 within this temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be used as a soft freezing chamber. In the soft freezing temperature range, even if the food is stored for a long time, the surface does not become too hard, so the food can be easily crushed or broken. Therefore, the user can immediately use the food stored in the soft freezing chamber. The method of using the temperature switchable chamber 4 as the soft freezing chamber is intended for users who simply use the freezing chamber.

An operation panel 6 is provided on the refrigerator compartment door 13 . The operation panel 6 is composed of an operation section for setting the temperature in each storage compartment, and a display section for displaying temperature information such as the temperature in each storage compartment and the set temperature, or inventory information in the storage compartment. there is The operation unit is configured by, for example, operation switches, etc., and the display unit is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display.

The refrigerator 1 has a cooler 21 and a blower 22. A cooler chamber 23 that accommodates a cooler 21 and a blower 22 is provided in the main body 2 . Cooler 21 cools the air. The air blower 22 sends the air cooled by the cooler 21 to each storage compartment, that is, the refrigerator compartment 3 , the temperature switching compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5 . Hereinafter, the air cooled by the cooler 21 is appropriately referred to as "cold air". Cold air for cooling the inside of each storage compartment is generated by the cooler 21 and the generated cold air is sent to each storage compartment by the blower 22 . Cooler chamber 23 is provided in a portion of main body 2 corresponding to the back side of refrigerator 1 . Inside the cooler chamber 23 , the blower 22 is provided above the cooler 21 .

<Configuration of refrigeration cycle>
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of refrigerating cycle 27 of refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3 , cooler 21 constitutes refrigeration cycle 27 of refrigerator 1 together with compressor 24 , condenser 25 and decompression device 26 . In the refrigeration cycle 27, a compressor 24, a condenser 25, a decompression device 26 and a cooler 21 are connected in this order by refrigerant pipes. Solid arrows in FIG. 3 indicate directions in which the refrigerant circulates in the refrigeration cycle 27 .

The compressor 24 compresses the refrigerant into a high temperature and high pressure gas state. Compressor 24 is arranged in machine room 28 provided below cooler room 23 on the back side of refrigerator 1, as shown in FIG. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant that has flowed out of the compressor 24 flows into the condenser 25 . The condenser 25 dissipates the heat of the refrigerant flowing from the compressor 24 to condense the refrigerant. The condenser 25 is composed of, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The refrigerant condensed by the condenser 25 flows into the decompression device 26 . The decompression device 26 decompresses the refrigerant that has flowed in from the condenser 25 into a two-phase state of liquid and gas. The decompression device 26 is composed of, for example, a capillary tube. The two-phase refrigerant of liquid and gas that has flowed out of the decompression device 26 flows into the cooler 21 . The cooler 21 evaporates the two-phase refrigerant decompressed by the decompression device 26, and cools the air around the cooler 21 by the heat absorption effect of the evaporation of the refrigerant. That is, cooler 21 functions as an evaporator in refrigerating cycle 27 . The cooler 21 is composed of, for example, a fin-and-tube heat exchanger. The refrigerant that has flowed out of cooler 21 returns to compressor 24 . The refrigeration cycle 27 described above cools the air around the cooler 21 to generate cool air for cooling the inside of each storage chamber.

Returning to FIG. 2 again, the main body 2 is provided with a cool air passage 29 for supplying the air cooled by the cooler 21 to each storage compartment. Cold air passage 29 connects each of refrigerator compartment 3 , temperature switchable compartment 4 and freezer compartment 5 to cooler compartment 23 . In the cooler chamber 23 , the air is caused to flow in an air flow direction D<b>1 upward from below the cooler 21 by driving the blower 22 . The inlet of the cool air passage 29 communicates with the downstream side of the blower 22 in the cooler chamber 23 . The cool air passage 29 branches from the inlet and connects to each storage compartment. A refrigerating chamber damper 31 that opens and closes the outlet of the cool air duct 29 to the refrigerating chamber 3 is provided at the connecting portion between the cool air duct 29 and the refrigerating chamber 3 . By changing the degree of opening of refrigerating compartment damper 31, the amount of cold air supplied to refrigerating compartment 3 can be adjusted.

A temperature switching chamber damper 32 that opens and closes the outlet of the cold air passage 29 to the temperature switching chamber 4 is provided at the connecting portion between the cold air passage 29 and the temperature switching chamber 4 . By changing the degree of opening of the temperature switchable chamber damper 32, the amount of cold air supplied to the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be adjusted. A freezer compartment damper 33 that opens and closes the outlet of the cold airflow path 29 to the freezer compartment 5 is provided at the connecting portion between the cool airway 29 and the freezer compartment 5 . By changing the degree of opening of the freezer compartment damper 33, the air volume of the cool air supplied to the freezer compartment 5 can be adjusted. Cool air generated by the cooler 21 is blown to the cool air path 29 by the blower 22 . The cool air is supplied from the cold air passage 29 through the cold air passage 29 to the refrigerator chamber 3 through the cold air passage 29 , through the temperature switching chamber damper 32 to the temperature switching chamber 4 , and from the cold air passage 29 . It is supplied to the freezer compartment 5 through the freezer compartment damper 33 .

A refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 34 for detecting the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 3 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 3 . The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 34 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the back side of the refrigerator compartment 3 . The temperature switchable chamber 4 is provided with a temperature switchable chamber temperature sensor 35 for detecting the temperature inside the temperature switchable chamber 4 . The temperature switchable chamber temperature sensor 35 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface of the temperature switchable chamber 4 on the back side. A freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 for detecting the temperature in the freezer compartment 5 is provided in the freezer compartment 5 . The freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 is provided, for example, on the inner wall surface on the back side of the freezer compartment 5 . The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 34, the temperature switching compartment temperature sensor 35, and the freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 are composed of, for example, thermistors.

The main body 2 is provided with a refrigerator compartment return air path 40 , a temperature switching chamber return air path 50 , and a freezer compartment return air path 60 .

The refrigerating compartment return air duct 40 is an air duct for guiding the air inside the refrigerating compartment 3 to the cooler compartment 23 . The temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 is an air passage for guiding the air inside the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 . The freezer compartment return air duct 60 is an air duct for guiding the air inside the freezer compartment 5 to the cooler compartment 23 . The refrigerator compartment return air path 40, the temperature switching compartment return air path 50, and the freezer compartment return air path 60 are provided independently of each other.

The refrigerating compartment return air duct 40 has a refrigerating compartment return air duct entrance 42 that opens to the refrigerating compartment 3 . The refrigerating-compartment return air passage inlet 42 is provided in the refrigerating chamber 3 away from the outlet of the cool air passage 29 . A refrigerating compartment return air passage inlet 42 is provided on the inner wall surface of the refrigerating compartment 3 on the back side. The refrigerating compartment return air passage 40 has a refrigerating compartment return port 41 that opens to the cooler compartment 23 . The refrigerator compartment return port 41 is formed, for example, in a front wall 223 that is a wall on the front side of the cooler compartment 23 . The refrigerating chamber return port 41 is provided upstream of the cooler 21 in the cooler chamber 23 with respect to the air flow direction D1. The air in the refrigerator compartment 3 flows from the refrigerator compartment return air path entrance 42 through the refrigerator compartment return air path 40 and into the cooler chamber 23 from the refrigerator compartment return port 41 .

A plurality of temperature switching chamber return air passages 50 are provided, and at least two are provided. The temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 includes, for example, a first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50A, a second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B, and a third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50C. The temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 has a temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 that opens into the temperature switchable chamber 4 . A plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 are provided, but only one temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 is provided. This is because the temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 is configured in common for the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 .

Specifically, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 is configured to branch from one temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 to the cooler chamber 23 and connect to each of the temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 . ing. The temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 is provided on the inner wall surface of the temperature switchable chamber 4 on the back side. The temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 is provided in the temperature switchable chamber 4 apart from the outlet of the cold air passage 29 . The air in the temperature switchable chamber 4 flows from the temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 through any one of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 into the cooler chamber 23 from the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 . . The temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 may each have an independent temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52, and each temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 may be configured independently of each other.

Also, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 has a temperature switchable chamber return port 51 that opens to the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 . The first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50A has a first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A, the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B has a second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B, and a third temperature switchable chamber return port 51B. The chamber return air passage 50C has a third temperature switching chamber return port 51C. Each temperature switching chamber return port 51 is provided in the cooler chamber 23 at different positions facing the cooler 21 with respect to the air flow direction D1. 51 A of 1st temperature switching chamber return ports are arrange|positioned in the cooler chamber 23 most downstream with respect to the flow direction D1 of air. A second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B is arranged upstream of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A. A third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C is arranged upstream of the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B. All of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A, the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B, and the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C are located downstream of the refrigerating chamber return port 41 with respect to the air flow direction D1 and on the below-described refrigerating chamber return port. It is arranged upstream of the chamber return port 61 . That is, each temperature switchable chamber return port 51 is formed from the upstream side toward the downstream side in the air flow direction D1.

The freezer compartment return air duct 60 has a freezer compartment return air duct inlet 62 that opens to the freezer compartment 5 . The freezer compartment return air passage inlet 62 is provided in the freezer compartment 5 away from the outlet of the cool air passage 29 . The freezer compartment return air passage entrance 62 may be provided on the inner wall surface on the back side of the freezer compartment 5 . The freezer compartment return air passage 60 has a freezer compartment return port 61 that opens to the front wall 223 of the cooler compartment 23 . The freezer compartment return port 61 is provided at a position facing the cooler 21 in the cooler chamber 23 on the downstream side of the refrigerator compartment return port 41 with respect to the air flow direction D<b>1 . The freezer compartment return port 61 is provided downstream of the refrigerator compartment return port 41 in the air flow direction D1 in the cooler chamber 23 and further downstream of the first temperature switching chamber return port 51A. The air in the freezer compartment 5 flows from the freezer compartment return air path inlet 62 through the freezer compartment return air path 60 and into the cooler chamber 23 from the freezer compartment return port 61 .

4 is a rear view schematically showing the structure of the cooler chamber 23 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. The arrangement of the refrigerator compartment return port 41, the temperature switching compartment return port 51, and the freezer compartment return port 61 in the cooler chamber 23 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, the cooler 21 arranged in the cooler chamber 23 includes a plurality of heat transfer tubes 71 provided with a plurality of fins 211, a plurality of U-shaped connecting tubes 72, have The heat transfer tubes 71 are arranged vertically. For example, eight heat transfer tubes 71 are arranged in the vertical direction. Two vertically adjacent heat transfer tubes 71 are connected at one end in the left-right direction by a connecting tube 72 . Thereby, a continuous refrigerant pipe is formed. The refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipes of the cooler 21 flows from the cooler inlet side 73 connected to the lowermost heat transfer pipe 71 to the cooler outlet side 74 connected to the uppermost heat transfer pipe 71 . Since the air flow direction D1 is the direction from the bottom to the top of the cooler 21, the lowest heat transfer tube 71 is arranged on the most upstream side among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 71 with respect to the air flow direction D1. ing. In addition, the heat transfer tube 71 in the uppermost stage is arranged on the most downstream side among the plurality of heat transfer tubes 71 with respect to the air flow direction D1. Therefore, the low-temperature gas-liquid two-phase refrigerant flowing from the pressure reducing device 26 flows from the cooler inlet side 73 through the heat transfer tubes 71 on the most upstream side in the air flow direction D1, and gradually flows downstream. heat transfer tube 71 and reaches the cooler outlet side 74 . The two-phase refrigerant flowing through the cooler 21 exchanges heat with the air flowing outside the heat transfer tubes 71 as it proceeds from the cooler inlet side 73 to the cooler outlet side 74 . As a result, the two-phase refrigerant flows through the heat transfer tubes 71 while the liquid phase in the refrigerant evaporates. Typically, the temperature of the coolant at the cooler inlet side 73 is lower than the temperature of the coolant at the cooler outlet side 74 .

In the cooler chamber 23, five regions are set: cooler chamber bottom region 75, cooler lower region 76, cooler middle lower region 77, cooler middle upper region 78, and cooler upper region 79. The lowermost region 75 of the cooler chamber is a region located below the cooler 21 in the cooler chamber 23, and is a region located on the most upstream side in the cooler chamber 23 with respect to the air flow direction D1. The lower cooler region 76 , the middle lower cooler region 77 , the middle upper cooler region 78 , and the upper cooler region 79 are all regions that overlap the cooler 21 in the cooler chamber 23 . A cooler lower region 76 is positioned at the lowest position, a lower middle cooler region 77 is positioned above the lower cooler region 76, and an upper middle cooler region 78 is positioned above the lower middle cooler region 77. . A cooler top region 79 is the uppermost of these four regions. With respect to the air flow direction D1, a lower cooler region 76, a lower middle cooler region 77, an upper middle cooler region 78, and an upper cooler region 79 are arranged in this order from the upstream side.

The refrigerating chamber return port 41 is provided, for example, in the lowermost region 75 of the cooler chamber as a position on the upstream side of the cooler 21 with respect to the air flow direction D1 in the cooler chamber 23 . The freezer compartment return port 61 is provided, for example, in the cooler upper region 79 as a position facing the cooler 21 downstream of the refrigerator compartment return port 41 with respect to the air flow direction D1 in the cooler chamber 23 . be done. A plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports 51 are provided in the cooler chamber 23 at positions opposite to the cooler 21 and different from each other with respect to the air flow direction D1. They are provided respectively in the upper region 78 of the vessel. Specifically, the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A is provided in the cooler middle upper region 78, the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B is provided in the cooler middle lower region 77, and the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51B is provided in the cooler middle upper region 77. A return port 51</b>C is provided in the cooler lower region 76 .

Due to such a difference in arrangement, the "heat exchange distance", which is the distance for heat exchange between the air returning from each storage compartment to the cooler compartment 23 flowing into the cooler 21 and flowing out, changes. The heat transfer area where the air returning from the room and the cooler 21 exchange heat changes. Normally, the temperature inside the refrigerator 1 has a relationship of temperature inside the refrigerator compartment 3>temperature inside the temperature switchable compartment 4>temperature inside the freezer compartment 5. FIG. For this reason, it is necessary to cool the "refrigerating chamber return air", which is the air returning from the refrigerating chamber 3 to the cooler chamber 23, the most, followed by the "temperature switching chamber", which is the air returning from the temperature switching chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23. It is necessary to cool a lot of "return air". Then, the amount of cooling of the "freezer-compartment return air", which is the air returning from the freezer compartment 5 to the cooler compartment 23, is considered to be minimized.

By providing the refrigerating chamber return port 41 of the refrigerating chamber return air passage 40 in the cooler chamber lowermost region 75, the refrigerating chamber return air flows from the inlet to the outlet of the cooler 21, that is, the cooler 21 in the air flow direction D1. from its upstream end to its downstream end. Therefore, the heat exchange distance between the refrigerating compartment return air and the cooler 21 becomes the longest, and the heat transfer area with the cooler 21 also becomes the largest.

On the other hand, by providing the freezer-compartment return port 61 of the freezer-compartment return air passage 60 in the cooler upper region 79, the freezer-compartment return air is distributed between the upstream end of the cooler 21 and the downstream end of the cooler 21 in the air flow direction D1. It passes from the part between the ends to the downstream end. Therefore, the heat exchange distance between the freezer compartment return air and the cooler 21 becomes relatively short, and the heat transfer area with the cooler 21 can be suppressed. This prevents the freezer compartment return air from being excessively cooled by the cooler 21 , and the heat load of the cooler 21 is reduced by performing the minimum necessary heat exchange.

Furthermore, the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 of the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 is provided between the cooler lower region 76 and the cooler middle upper region 78 . Therefore, the heat exchange distance between the temperature switchable compartment return air and the cooler 21 is shorter than the heat exchange distance between the refrigerating compartment return air and the cooler 21, and is longer than the heat exchange distance between the freezer compartment return air and the cooler 21. become longer. As a result, the temperature switchable chamber return air can be cooled with a cooling amount between the cooling amount of the refrigerating compartment return air and the cooling amount of the freezer compartment return air in the cooler 21 . By optimizing and minimizing the heat exchange amount in this manner, the temperature difference between the cooler 21 and the air can be optimized, and frost formation on the cooler 21 can be suppressed.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram explaining the inside of the cooler chamber 23 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. As shown in FIG. 5 , each of the plurality of fins 211 attached to the cooler 21 of the cooler chamber 23 has a rectangular parallelepiped plate shape in cross section in the depth direction of the cooler chamber 23 . Each of the plurality of fins 211 is arranged such that the longitudinal direction of the section in the depth direction is along the depth direction of the refrigerator 1 . Each of the plurality of fins 211 is arranged such that the lateral direction of the cross section in the depth direction is along the height direction of the refrigerator 1 . A plurality of fins 211 are stacked in the height direction of refrigerator 1 . The plurality of fins 211 face a front wall 223 , which is a wall on the front side of the cooler chamber 23 , in a state where the cooler 21 is housed in the cooler chamber 23 . The plurality of fins 211 are arranged so as to face the temperature switching chamber return port 51 formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 . Further, the plurality of fins 211 are arranged so as to partially face the freezer compartment return port 61 formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler compartment 23 . Further, the rear surfaces of the plurality of fins 211 face a rear wall 224 that is the rear wall of the cooler chamber 23 when the cooler 21 is accommodated in the cooler chamber 23 .

A plurality of fins 211 attached to the cooler 21 include notched fins 213 and smooth fins 214 . The notched fin 213 is arranged at a position facing the third temperature switching chamber return port 51C. The third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C is located on the most upstream side of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 in the air flow direction D1. The notched fin 213 has a notched surface which is a cross section obtained by cutting out the notched portion 212a of the rectangular parallelepiped corner. Specifically, the notched fin 213 has a shape in which a notched portion 212a, which is a corner portion extending to the lower surface, is cut from a portion of the lower portion of the front surface, which is the surface facing the front wall 223. As shown in FIG. The notched fin 213 has a trapezoidal shape in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction.

The smooth fin 214 is arranged at a position facing the first temperature switching chamber return port 51A. The first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A is positioned on the most downstream side of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 in the air flow direction D1. The smooth fin 214 has a parallelogram shape in which the cutout portion 212a is not cut in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction. The area of the smooth fins 214 is larger than that of the notched fins 213 in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction.

In this way, the plurality of fins 211 includes two types of fins 211 having different shapes and different areas in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction. In addition, in the air flow direction D1, it faces the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B located upstream of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A and downstream of the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C. The notched fin 213 may be arranged at the position where the cutout fin 213 is formed. In addition, a smooth fin 214 is arranged at a position downstream of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A in the air flow direction D1 and facing the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B located at the most downstream position. It is good if it is.

In addition, the refrigerator 1 is provided with air passage switching means 80, as shown in FIGS. The air path switching means 80 switches the air path through which the air in the temperature switchable chamber 4 returns to the cooler chamber 23 to any one of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air paths 50 . The air passage switching means 80 is composed of, for example, a damper as a switching mechanism for opening and closing the temperature switching chamber return air passage 50 . Specifically, the air passage switching means 80 has a first temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81A, a second temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81B, and a third temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81C. is doing. The first temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81A is provided in the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50A, and is a damper that opens and closes the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A of the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50A. be. The second temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81B is provided in the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B, and is a damper that opens and closes the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B of the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B. be. The third temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81C is provided in the third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50C, and is a damper that opens and closes the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C of the third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50C. be. The air passage switching means 80 opens any one of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A, the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B, and the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C, and closes the remaining two. , it is possible to switch to any one of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air paths 50 .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, the control device 90 includes the operation panel 6, the blower 22, the compressor 24, the refrigerator damper 31, the temperature switchable damper 32, the freezer damper 33, the refrigerator temperature sensor 34, the temperature switchable chamber temperature sensor. 35, the freezer compartment temperature sensor 36, the first temperature switching compartment return air passage damper 81A, the second temperature switching compartment return air passage damper 81B, and the third temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81C, respectively, are electrically connected, for example, by signal lines. It is connected to the. Control device 90 receives detection signals from each of refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 34 , temperature switching compartment temperature sensor 35 and freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 and an operation signal from the operation section of operation panel 6 . The control device 90 performs compression in accordance with a pre-stored operation program so that the interiors of the refrigerator compartment 3, the temperature switchable compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5 are maintained at the respective set temperatures based on the respective input signals. It controls the output of the air blower 24, the amount of air blown by the air blower 22, and the opening of each damper. The control device 90 outputs a display signal regarding the temperature of each storage chamber to the display section of the operation panel 6 based on each input signal.

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram related to temperature control by the control device 90 of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 , in this embodiment, the control device 90 has a temperature setting section 91 , a temperature comparison section 92 , a device control section 93 and a storage section 94 . The storage unit 94 stores various data and operation programs used for temperature control.

The temperature setting unit 91 sets the preset temperatures of the refrigerator compartment 3 , the temperature switching compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5 according to the operation signal from the operation part of the operation panel 6 . The temperature comparison unit 92 compares the set temperature of each storage compartment set by the temperature setting unit 91 with the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor provided in each storage compartment, and outputs the comparison result to the equipment control unit 93. Output. A temperature comparison unit 92 compares the set temperature of the refrigerator compartment 3 with the room temperature detected by the refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 34 . Also, the temperature comparison unit 92 compares the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 with the indoor temperature detected by the temperature switchable chamber temperature sensor 35 . Also, the temperature comparison unit 92 compares the set temperature of the freezer compartment 5 with the room temperature detected by the freezer compartment temperature sensor 36 . Based on the result of the comparison by the temperature comparing unit 92, the device control unit 93 controls the compressor 24, the blower 22, and the cold storage damper 31 so that the room temperature detected by the temperature sensor provided in each storage room becomes the set temperature. , the temperature switching compartment damper 32 and the freezer compartment damper 33 .

The control device 90 controls the air passage switching means 80 to switch the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 based on the reference temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 . As the reference temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4, the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 set by the temperature setting unit 91 is used, and the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 to be switched is selected based on this set temperature. In the storage unit 94, for example, data in which the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 suitable for the set temperature are associated is stored in advance. The equipment control section 93 refers to the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 set by the temperature setting section 91 and the data stored in the storage section 94, and selects the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 to be switched. Then, the equipment control section 93 controls the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81A, the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81B, and the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage damper 81B of the air passage switching means 80 so as to switch to the selected temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50. Controls the 3-temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81C.

The set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 are associated, for example, as follows. Each of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 has a temperature switchable chamber return port 51 provided at a different position with respect to the air flow direction D1. When the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is relatively high, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 having the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 positioned further upstream in the air flow direction D1 is associated. When the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is relatively low, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 having the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 positioned further downstream in the air flow direction D1 is associated. When the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is relatively high, it is considered that the amount of cooling required to cool the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 increases. Therefore, by allowing the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 to flow into the cooler 21 from the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 positioned further upstream in the air flow direction D1, the heat exchange distance in the cooler 21 is sufficient. to provide the necessary cooling. On the other hand, when the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is relatively low, the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 is sent to the cooler from the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 located on the downstream side with respect to the air flow direction D1. 21. As a result, the heat exchange distance in the cooler 21 does not extend more than necessary, and the minimum necessary heat exchange distance can be secured, and the heat load of the cooler 21 can be reduced.

The temperature switchable chamber 4 can be adjusted to three temperature ranges, and is provided with a temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 through which air in three temperature ranges circulates. For example, when the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set to the chilled temperature zone, the third temperature switchable chamber having the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C disposed on the most upstream side with respect to the air flow direction D1 It is set so that the return air path 50C is selected. When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the supercooled temperature zone, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 is arranged upstream of the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C with respect to the air flow direction D1. The second temperature-switchable chamber return air passage 50B having the second temperature-switchable chamber return port 51B is selected. Further, when the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set to the soft freezing temperature zone, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 is set to the first temperature switchable chamber which is arranged on the most downstream side with respect to the air flow direction D1. It is set to select the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50A having the return port 51A. As for the heat exchange distance, the heat exchange distance between the temperature switchable chamber return air and the cooler 21 is the longest when the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the chilled temperature zone, and the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the supercooled temperature zone. The heat exchange distance between the return air from the temperature switching chamber and the cooler 21 is the next longest. Then, the heat exchange distance between the return air from the temperature switchable chamber and the cooler 21 is the shortest when the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the soft freezing temperature range.

Based on this relationship, the control device 90 switches between the three temperature-switching chamber return air paths 50. For example, when the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is in the first temperature range included in the chilled temperature range, the control device 90 causes the air passage switching means 80 to set the third temperature among the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 . Control is performed to switch to the third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50C having the switchable chamber return port 51C. Further, when the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is in the second temperature range included in the supercooled temperature range lower than the first temperature range, the control device 90 causes the air path switching means 80 to set a plurality of temperature switchable chamber return temperature ranges. Control is performed to switch the air passage 50 to the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B. The second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50B has a second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B located downstream of the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C in the air flow direction D1.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the processing circuit of the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, the functions of the control device 90 are realized, for example, as a processing circuit configured in hardware. The functions of the control device 90 are implemented, for example, by the processor 95 executing programs stored in the memory 96 . Further, the functions of the control device 90 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of processors and a plurality of memories. Also, part of the functions of the control device 90 may be implemented as an electronic circuit, and other parts may be realized using the processor 95 and the memory 96 .

In this way, the refrigerator 1 is configured so that the set temperature of the air from the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be switched over a wide range from the refrigerating temperature range to the freezing temperature range. The air path through which the air from the temperature switchable chamber 4 returns to the cooler chamber 23 is selected from among the temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 that open at different positions with respect to the air flow direction D1 based on the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4. is switched to the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 having the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 at a position. Accordingly, the distance and heat transfer area for heat exchange between the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21 can be appropriately secured according to the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 . In this way, the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21 exchange the necessary minimum amount of heat, so that the heat load on the cooler 21 can be suppressed. The amount of work of the compressor 24 which constitutes the refrigerating cycle 27 together with the compressor 21 can be suppressed.

The temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 are all arranged downstream of the refrigerator chamber return port 41 and upstream of the freezer chamber return port 61 with respect to the air flow direction D1. ing. With such a configuration, the distance for heat exchange between the air returning from the temperature switching chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21 is set to and the distance for heat exchange between the air returning from the freezer compartment 5 to the cooler compartment 23 and the cooler 21 . As a result, the air returning from the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21 exchange heat according to the temperature range from the refrigeration temperature range to the freezer temperature range that can be set in the temperature switchable chamber 4 . You can keep your distance.

In addition, the temperature switchable chamber 4 has a chilled temperature range of 0°C or more and less than 3°C, a supercooled temperature range of -3°C or more and less than 0°C, and a soft freezing temperature range of -10°C or more and -5°C or less. Switchable between at least three temperature zones. With such a configuration, the temperature switchable chamber 4 can be used as a chilled chamber, a supercooled storage chamber, or a soft freezing chamber. For example, when it is used as a chilled room, it is possible to make up for the capacity shortage of the refrigerating room 3, and when it is used as a supercooling storage room, it is possible to store perishable foods while maintaining their quality. Also, use as a soft freezing chamber allows food to be frozen and stored in a manner ready for immediate use. Therefore, convenience for the user of the refrigerator 1 can be improved.

Next, the movement of air in the cooler chamber 23 will be described. Refrigerating chamber return air from the refrigerating chamber 3 , temperature switching chamber return air from the temperature switching chamber 4 , and freezer chamber return air from the freezing chamber 5 flow into the cooler chamber 23 .

The air returned to the refrigeration compartment is air in the refrigeration temperature range. The refrigerating chamber return air flows into the refrigerating chamber 23 from the refrigerating chamber return port 41 formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 and reaches the most upstream position of the cooler 21 . The air that has flowed in from the refrigerator compartment return port 41 moves upward in the cooler compartment 23 and reaches the most upstream side of the cooler 21 to exchange heat with the cooler 21 .

The temperature switchable chamber return air is air in a temperature range corresponding to the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 set from the refrigerating temperature range to the freezing temperature range. The return air from the temperature switchable chamber is supplied to a plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 by switching the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 to any one by the air passage switching means 80 . 51 into cooler chamber 23 . The plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 guide the temperature switchable chamber return air having a temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range on the upstream side in the air flow direction D1, and the temperature range is further reduced toward the downstream side in the air flow direction D1. The temperature switchable chamber return air in a temperature range close to the temperature zone is introduced.

When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber return air flows from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 to the cooler. It flows into chamber 23 . When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set to the temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range, it is set to the chilled temperature range, for example. The temperature switchable chamber return air from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C is the temperature switchable chamber return air in the relatively highest temperature range. The third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C is arranged downstream of the refrigerating chamber return port 41 in the air flow direction D1 and most upstream of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 . The air that has flowed in from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C reaches the notched fin 213 attached at a position facing the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C, and passes through the notched fin 213 to the cooler 21 and heat. make an exchange.

When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the intermediate temperature range between the refrigeration temperature range and the freezer temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber return air flows into the cooler chamber 23 from the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B. When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the intermediate temperature range between the refrigerating temperature range and the freezing temperature range, for example, it is set in the supercooling temperature range. The second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B is located downstream of the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C and upstream of the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A in the air flow direction D1. mouth 51; The air that has flowed in from the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B exchanges heat with the cooler 21 via the notched fins 213 attached to the position facing the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B.

When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set in the temperature range closest to the freezing temperature range, the temperature switchable chamber return air flows into the cooler chamber 23 from the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A. When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is set to the temperature range closest to the freezing temperature range, it is, for example, set to the soft freezing temperature range. The temperature switchable chamber return air from the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A is the temperature switchable chamber return air in the lowest temperature range. The first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A is downstream of the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B in the air flow direction D1, and is the most downstream of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 in the air flow direction D1. It is the temperature switching chamber return port 51 arranged on the side. The air that has flowed in from the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A exchanges heat with the cooler 21 via smooth fins 214 attached to positions facing the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A.

The freezer compartment return air is in the freezing temperature range. The freezer compartment return air flows into the cooler compartment 23 from the freezer compartment return port 61 formed in the front wall 223 of the cooler compartment 23 and located at the most downstream side of the cooler 21 in the air flow direction D1. The air flowing in from the freezer compartment return port 61 reaches the smooth fins 214 provided at a position facing the freezer compartment return port 61 and exchanges heat with the cooler 21 via the smooth fins 214 .

The air led from the refrigerator compartment return port 41, the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C, and the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B has a relatively high temperature range among the temperature switchable chamber return air. . The air led from the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A and the freezer compartment return port 61 has a relatively low temperature range among the temperature switchable chamber return air. Of the temperature switchable chamber return air, the temperature difference between the air in the relatively high range and the cooler 21 that exchanges heat with this air is the temperature difference between the air in the relatively low range and the heat from the air. Since the temperature difference is greater than that of the cooler 21 to be replaced, frost is likely to occur. Therefore, notches are provided at positions of the cooler 21 facing the refrigerating chamber return port 41, the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C, and the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B as areas where frost accumulates. A notched fin 213 is attached. Frost generated by heat exchange between the return air and the cooler 21 adheres to the notched surfaces of the notched fins 213 and can accumulate on the notched surfaces of the notched fins 213 . As a result, the frost caused by the heat exchange between the return air and the cooler 21 does not hinder the circulation of the air flowing through the cooler 21, and the decrease in cooling efficiency due to the increase in air flow resistance can be suppressed.

On the other hand, among the return air from the temperature switchable chamber, the air having a temperature in a relatively low range has a temperature difference between the air having a temperature in a relatively high range and the cooler 21 that exchanges heat with this air. It is smaller than the temperature difference between and frost. Of the temperature switchable chamber return air, air having a relatively low temperature range passes through the cooler 21 without being frosted even if it is cooled. Therefore, smooth fins 214 that are not provided with areas where frost accumulates are attached to positions facing the first temperature switching chamber return port 51A and the freezer compartment return port 61 . A smooth fin 214 that does not have a cutout portion 212a is provided at a position where the frost amount is smaller than that at other positions, because heat exchange is not hindered by frost formation. As a result, a region effective for heat exchange is maintained in the cooler 21, and a decrease in heat exchange efficiency is suppressed.

In this way, at positions facing the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C and the second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B through which the return air from the temperature switchable chamber 4 whose temperature is maintained in the plus temperature range is led, the notched fins 213 are arranged. When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is maintained in a positive temperature range, that is, when the refrigerating temperature range is closer than the freezing temperature range, the temperature of the switching chamber return air is relatively high, and this air and the cooling The temperature difference with the vessel 21 increases. Since the notched fins 213 are provided at positions where the temperature difference is relatively large and more frost occurs, the frost generated in the cooler 21 may adhere to the notched surfaces of the notched fins 213 . can. In addition, by providing the notched surface, even if frost adheres to the notched fins 213 and grows, blocking between the notched fins 213 is reduced, and air flow resistance increases. is suppressed.

Smooth fins are provided at positions facing the first temperature switchable chamber return port 51A and the freezer chamber return port 61 through which the air from the temperature switchable chamber 4, which is kept at a temperature closer to the freezing temperature range than the refrigerating temperature range, is guided. 214 is attached. When the temperature switchable chamber 4 is kept at a temperature closer to the freezing temperature range than the refrigerating temperature range, the temperature difference between the air led from the temperature switching chamber 4 and the cooler 21 is reduced. This is because when the temperature difference is reduced, the frost amount is also reduced. In this manner, by appropriately attaching the notched fins 213 or the smooth fins 214 to the cooler 21 according to the temperature of the air guided to the cooler 21, the reduction in cooling efficiency due to frost formation can be efficiently suppressed.

<Modification>
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating refrigerator 1 according to a modification of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9 , refrigerator 1 according to Modification 1 differs from Embodiment 1 in the configurations of cooler 21 and cooler chamber 23 .

First, the configuration of the cooler 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to Modification 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 9, the cooler 21 is provided with a first notched fin 213a, a second notched fin 213b, and a third notched fin 213c as the plurality of notched fins 213. . The first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b, and the third notched fin 213c have different shapes in cross sections of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction.

The first notched fin 213a is arranged on the most downstream side in the air flow direction D1. The third notched fin 213c is arranged on the most upstream side in the air flow direction D1. The second notched fin 213b is arranged upstream of the first notched fin 213a and downstream of the third notched fin 213c.

The first notched fin 213a has a shape in which a corner notched portion 212a extending from a portion of the lower portion of the front surface, which is the surface facing the front wall 223, to a portion of the lower surface is cut. As with the first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b has a corner notched portion 212b extending from a part of the lower front surface facing the front wall 223 to a part of the lower surface. It has a truncated shape. The cutout portion 212b of the second cutout fin 213b has a larger area than the cutout portion 212a of the first cutout fin 213a in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction. In addition, the vertical width of the front surface of the first notched fin 213a is smaller than the vertical width of the front surface of the second notched fin 213b. That is, in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction, the area of the cutout portion 212b of the second cutout fin 213b on the upstream side is larger than the area of the cutout portion 212a of the first cutout fin 213a on the downstream side. .

The third notched fin 213c has a shape in which a corner notched portion 212c formed by the lower portion of the surface facing the temperature switching chamber return port 51 and the entire lower surface is cut off. That is, the area of the cutout portion 212c of the third cutout fin 213c arranged on the most upstream side is the cutout portion 212a of the first cutout fin 213a on the downstream side of the third cutout fin 213c and the cutout portion 212a of the second cutout fin 213a on the downstream side. It is larger than the area of the notched portion 212b of the notched fin 213b. The first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b, and the third notched fin 213c have different areas in cross sections of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction.

The temperature switchable chamber return air guided from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C located on the most upstream side in the air flow direction D1 flows through the other second temperature switchable chamber return port 51B or the first temperature switchable chamber. The temperature is higher than the temperature switching chamber return air led from the return port 51A. That is, the temperature switchable chamber return air led from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C has the highest temperature switchable chamber return air, and the temperature switchable chamber return air increases as it goes downstream from the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C. temperature is low. Therefore, the temperature changeable chamber return air reaching the third notch fin 213c facing the third temperature changeable chamber return port 51C has the largest temperature difference with the cooler 21 . In addition, the air reaching the second notched fin 213b at the position facing the first temperature switching chamber return port 51A on the most downstream side is faster than the temperature switching chamber return air reaching the third notched fin 213c. The temperature difference with cooler 21 is reduced. Furthermore, the air reaching the first notched fin 213a at a position facing the freezer compartment return port 61 formed downstream of the first temperature switching chamber return port 51A has a temperature difference with the cooler 21. , the smallest.

Therefore, the third notched fin 213c on the upstream side in the air flow direction D1 has a shape obtained by cutting out the notched portion 212c having the largest area in the depth direction of the cooler chamber 23. In the first notched fin 213a and the second notched fin 213b on the downstream side of the third notched fin 213c, the notched portion 212b facing downstream and the notched portion 212a and the depth direction area of the cooler chamber 23 are reduced. It is a shape that That is, the first cut-out fin 213a, the second cut-out fin 213b, and the third cut-out fin 213c become cooler in the cooler chamber 23 as the temperature difference between the returning air from the switching chamber and the cooler 21 decreases. It has a shape in which the area of the cut portion in the depth direction decreases.

In this way, at the position where the temperature difference between the air led from the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the cooler 21 increases, the area of the cutout portion 212c in the cross section of the cooler chamber 23 in the depth direction is the largest. Install the notched fins 213c. In addition, as the temperature difference between the air led from the temperature switching chamber 4 and the cooler 21 decreases, the notched portion 212b of the second notched fin 213b, the first notched fin 213a, and the cooler chamber 23 It is configured such that the cross section in the depth direction of is reduced. That is, the shapes of the first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b, and the third notched fin 213c are determined according to the positions of the temperature switching chamber return ports 51 facing each other in the air flow direction D1. It is determined. As a result, the temperature difference between the cooler 21 and the air is optimized, and a region where frost accumulates according to the amount of frost is secured, so air flow resistance does not increase and cooling efficiency is reduced due to frost. can be suppressed. In addition, although the plurality of notched fins 213 have three types of shapes, namely, the first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b, and the third notched fin 213c, an example has been described. 213 may be configured to have three or more types of shapes. Further, in addition to the plurality of notched fins 213, a configuration in which smooth fins 214 are provided can also be used.

Next, a configuration of cooler chamber 23 of refrigerator 1 according to a modification of Embodiment 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, in the cooler chamber 23 of the refrigerator 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment, the bypass distance, which is the distance of the first clearance d1, is longer than the distance of the second clearance d2. The distance of the first clearance d1 is the distance between the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 and the front side of the cooler 21 . The distance of the second clearance d2 is the distance between the rear wall 224 of the cooler chamber 23 and the rear side of the cooler 21 . Return air from the temperature switchable chamber 4 is led from the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 to the front side of the cooler 21 . The air cooled by the cooler 21 is led to the back side of the cooler 21 .

On the front side of the cooler 21, the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 is larger than the temperature difference between the air on the back side of the cooler 21 and the cooler 21, so frosting occurs more than the back side of the cooler 21. becomes a large amount. Since the first clearance d1 is larger than the second clearance d2, the area where frost generated on the cooler 21 can accumulate increases. Therefore, even if frost adheres to the cooler 21, the air passing through the cooler 21 is not hindered by the accumulated frost, and a decrease in cooling efficiency is suppressed.

Also, the distance of the first clearance d1 decreases toward the downstream side of the air flow direction D1, that is, toward the top of the refrigerator 1. A front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 has an inclination 223 a with respect to the height direction of the refrigerator 1 . The distance of the second clearance d2 decreases toward the downstream side of the air flow direction D1, that is, toward the upper side of the refrigerator 1 . A rear wall 224 of the cooler chamber 23 has an inclination 224 a with respect to the height direction of the refrigerator 1 .

The temperature difference between the air from the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the cooler 21 is maximum on the upstream side in the air flow direction D1, and the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 decreases as the air moves downstream. To go. Due to the inclination 223a of the front wall 223, the first clearance d1 and the second clearance d2 are maximized on the upstream side of the air flow direction D1 where the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 is the largest and the amount of frost is large. It's becoming Therefore, a region where frost formed on the cooler 21 accumulates is secured, and even if frost forms on the cooler 21, air circulation in the cooler 21 is less likely to be hindered, and cooling efficiency is maintained. Further, toward the downstream side of the air flow direction D1, the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 decreases, and the amount of frost formation decreases, so the first clearance d1 and the second clearance d2 also decrease. . Therefore, no extra gap is formed between the cooler 21, which is less susceptible to frost formation, and the rear wall 224 of the cooler chamber 23, and the cooling efficiency of the cooler 21 is improved.

Furthermore, the slope 223a of the front wall 223 is greater than the slope 224a of the rear wall 224. That is, the slope 223a of the front wall 223 is gentler than the slope 224a of the rear wall 224. As shown in FIG. On the front side of the cooler 21 , the air led from the temperature switching chamber 4 flows to the cooler 21 , so the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 is greater than on the back side of the cooler 21 . Since the air led from the temperature switchable chamber 4 is cooled while passing through the cooler 21, the temperature difference between the air and the cooler 21 decreases as it moves toward the back side of the cooler 21, and the cooler 21 The temperature difference between the cooler 21 and the air is smaller on the back side than on the front side.

Therefore, by making the inclination 223a of the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 larger than the inclination 224a of the rear wall 224, the first clearance d1 where the amount of frost is increasing increases, and the area where frost accumulates increases. As a result, the deterioration of the cooling efficiency due to frost formation is suppressed. Further, by making the slope 223a of the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 wider than the slope 224a of the rear wall 224, the increase in the second clearance d2 with a small amount of frost formation is suppressed, and an extra gap is not generated. The cooling efficiency of the cooler 21 is improved.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram explaining the details of the cooler 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to the modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the plurality of fins 211 in the depth direction.

As shown in FIG. 10, the first notched fin 213a has the smallest first notched area S1 among the plurality of notched fins 213. As shown in FIG. The cutout area is the area of the surface facing the plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports 51, and is the area of the cut surface of the cutout portion when the cutout fin 213 is viewed in the direction of arrow A. . The first notch area S1 means that the first notch fin 213a is formed by cutting the notch 212a from the rectangular parallelepiped smooth fin 214. It is the area of the cut surface.

The second cutout fin 213b has a second cutout area S2 that is larger than the first cutout area S1. The third cutout fin 213c has a third cutout area S3 that is larger than the second cutout area S2 and has the largest third cutout area S3. That is, the notch areas of the first notch fin 213a, the second notch fin 213b, and the third notch fin 213c are: third notch area S3>second notch area S2>first notch area S1. There is a size relationship between

Here, the cut surface area of the notch fin 213 can be considered as a parameter of cooling efficiency. The surface area of each of the plurality of notched fins 213 contributes to heat exchange in the cooler 21, but the height and depth dimensions or the shape of the plurality of notched fins 213 are different from those of the refrigerator 1 or the cooling device. This is because it can be set according to the shape of the vessel 21 and varies. The cooling efficiency of the notched fins 213 can be evaluated regardless of the shape of the refrigerator 1 or the cooler 21 by using the area of the cut surface of the plurality of notched fins 213 as a parameter of the cooling efficiency. can.

In addition, the plurality of notched fins 213 have a cross-sectional shape when viewed from the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 to the back wall 224 side, or a cross-sectional shape of a cut surface viewed from the direction of arrow A in the height direction. The dimensions are greatest at the front side of cooler 21 and decrease toward the rear side. On the front side of the cooler 21, since the temperature difference between the air led from the temperature switching chamber return port 51 and the cooler 21 is the largest, the frost amount is also the largest. Since the dimension of the cross-sectional shape in the height direction is the largest on the front side of the cooler 21, a region where frost accumulates is ensured. Therefore, even if the amount of frost on the front side of the plurality of notched fins 213 increases, the frost adheres to the notched surfaces of the plurality of notched fins 213, and the frost obstructs the flow path of the air, resulting in cooling. Decrease in ability is suppressed.

The air led from the temperature switching chamber return port 51 is cooled toward the back side, the temperature difference with the cooler 21 is reduced, and the frost amount is also reduced. The notched portions 212a of the plurality of notched fins 213 have a shape in which the height dimension of the notched portions 212a decreases from the front surface to the rear surface, thereby reducing the area where frost accumulates and effective for heat exchange. Heat exchange efficiency is improved due to the increased area.

In addition, it is preferable that the notched area of the plurality of notched fins 213 is at least 10 mm ² or less. This is because the notch area is at least 10 mm ² or less so that the cooling efficiency of the return air by the cooler 21 does not become excessive compared to the cooling efficiency when the smooth fins 214 are used. It should be noted that the smooth fin 214 can be considered to correspond to the case where the cutout area of the cutout fin 213 is zero.

FIG. 11 is a graph explaining the cooling efficiency of the cooler 21 of the refrigerator 1 according to the modified example of the first embodiment. In FIG. 11, the horizontal axis indicates the notch area, and the vertical axis indicates the ratio between the case with the notch and the case without the notch. In FIG. 11, the solid line and black circles represent the heat absorption ratio with respect to the notch area of a certain notched fin 213, the dashed line and rhombuses represent the surface area A ratio, the alternate long and short dash line and squares represent the temperature difference ΔT ratio, and the h ratio of the heat transfer coefficient are indicated by double-dotted lines and triangles.

As shown in FIG. 11, the heat absorption ratio sharply decreases in the area where the cutout area of the cutout fin 213 is larger than 10 mm ² . The heat absorption amount ratio is the ratio of the heat absorption amount of the cooler 21 to which the notched fins 213 are attached to the heat absorption amount of the cooler 21 to which the smooth fins 214 are attached. The amount of heat absorbed is the amount of heat that the cooler 21 exchanges heat with the return air and finally absorbs. The heat absorption ratio can be obtained from the product of the heat transfer coefficient h ratio, the surface area A ratio, and the temperature difference ΔT ratio. If the heat absorption ratio exceeds 100%, it can be considered that the cooling efficiency has improved. If the heat absorption ratio is less than 100%, it can be considered that the cooling efficiency has decreased.

Therefore, the notch area of the notch fin 213 is preferably ^{10 mm 2} ^or less. can be suppressed.

According to the refrigerator 1 according to Embodiment 1 described above, the notch is provided in the cooler 21 at a position facing the third temperature switchable chamber return port 51C located upstream in the air flow direction D1. A notched fin 213 having a shape obtained by cutting out the portion 211a is arranged. In a temperature range where the temperature of the return air from the temperature switching chamber is relatively high, the fins 211 are likely to be frosted. The notched fin 213 is arranged at a position facing the third temperature switching chamber return port 51C through which air having a relatively high temperature range is introduced, so that the notched portion 211a of the notched fin 213 is cut off. Frost can adhere to the surface. Therefore, even if frost formation occurs in the cooler 21, the flow of air is less likely to be obstructed, a decrease in heat exchange efficiency due to frost formation in the cooler 21 is suppressed, and the refrigerator 1 that can withstand a large amount of frost formation is provided. can.

In addition, the first notched fin 213a, the second notched fin 213b, and the third notched fin 213c move in the depth direction of the cooler chamber 23 as the temperature difference between the return air from the temperature switching chamber and the surface of the cooler 21 decreases. The area of the case where it is seen is decreasing. At the position where the temperature difference increases and the frost formation increases, frost adheres to the surface where the notch portion 212c of the third notch fin 213c with an increased area is cut, so that the air flow is not obstructed and the cooling efficiency is improved. is prevented from decreasing. Further, at the position where the temperature difference is reduced and the frost formation is reduced, the area of the notch portion 212a of the first notch fin 213a when viewed in the depth direction of the cooler chamber 23 is suppressed. Exchange efficiency can be maintained.

Also, the distance of the first clearance d1 between the front wall 223 of the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21 is longer than the distance of the second clearance d2 between the rear wall 224 of the cooler chamber 23 and the cooler 21. big. Therefore, by forming the first clearance d1 larger than the second clearance d2 on the front surface of the cooler 21, which is more susceptible to frost formation than the back surface of the cooler 21, more frost adheres to the front surface of the cooler 21. space can be secured. In addition, the heat exchange efficiency of the cooler 21 can be maintained by reducing the distance of the second clearance d2 on the back surface of the cooler 21 where frost formation is less likely to occur.

Also, the front wall 223 and the rear wall 224 of the cooler chamber 23 have

inclinations

223a, 224a with respect to the vertical direction, and the angle of the inclination 223a of the front wall 223 is larger than the angle of the inclination 224a of the rear wall 224. For this reason, the cooling efficiency of the cooler 21 is improved because the excess gap in the rear wall 224 is eliminated while the deterioration of the cooling efficiency due to frost formation on the front wall 223 is suppressed.

Further, the third cutout area S3 of the third cutout fin 213c arranged on the upstream side in the air flow direction D1 corresponds to the second cutout area S3 of the second cutout fin 213b arranged on the downstream side in the air flow direction D1. It is larger than the cutout area S2 and the first cutout area S1 of the first cutout fin 213a. In addition, the second cutout area S2 of the second cutout fin 213b is equal to the first cutout area S1 of the first cutout fin 213a arranged downstream in the air flow direction D1 from the second cutout fin 213b. bigger than Therefore, at the position where the temperature difference between the return air from the temperature switchable chamber and the cooler 21 increases and the amount of frost increases, the flow of air is not hindered by the frost, and the temperature difference is reduced and the frost does not occur. At the reduced position, heat exchange efficiency in the cooler 21 can be maintained.

Also, the temperature switching chamber return port 51 is arranged downstream of the refrigerator chamber return port 41 and upstream of the freezer chamber return port 61 . Therefore, the heat exchange distance between the temperature switchable compartment return air and the cooler 21 is shorter than the heat exchange distance between the refrigerator compartment return air and the cooler 21, and the heat exchange distance between the freezer compartment return air and the cooler 21 is shorter than the heat exchange distance between the freezer compartment return air and the cooler 21. also longer. As a result, the temperature switchable chamber return air can be cooled with a cooling amount between the cooling amount of the refrigerating compartment return air and the cooling amount of the freezer compartment return air in the cooler 21 .

The temperature switchable room 4 can switch the indoor temperature zone according to the application, so that the user can adjust the set temperature of the temperature switchable room 4 according to his/her own lifestyle, improving the user's convenience.

The control device 90 also controls the air path switching means 80 to switch the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 to any one of the temperature switchable chamber return ports 51 based on the temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 . Therefore, by optimizing and minimizing the heat exchange in the cooler 21, the temperature difference between the cooler 21 and the air can be optimized, and frost formation on the cooler 21 can be suppressed. .

The controller 90 also controls the air passage switching means 80 to form the temperature switching chamber return air passage 50 . As a result, the temperature switchable chamber return air can reach the cooler chamber 23 through one temperature switchable chamber return port 51 under the control of the air path switching means 80, so that the temperature switchable chamber return air and the cooler 21 Even if frost occurs due to the temperature difference between the two, a decrease in the cooling efficiency of the cooler 21 can be suppressed.

Although the refrigerator 1 has the refrigerator compartment 3, the temperature switchable compartment 4, and the freezer compartment 5, which are arranged in this order from the top, the number, types, and arrangement of the storage compartments of the refrigerator 1 are not limited to this. . For example, the refrigerator 1 may have other refrigerating compartments in addition to the refrigerating compartment 3, or may have other types of storage compartments. Also, for example, a freezer compartment may be provided in the upper part of the refrigerator 1 . In addition, although one door is provided in each storage compartment, the temperature switching compartment 4 and the freezer compartment 5 may be configured to open and close with a common door.

Also, although the control device 90 controls the air path switching means 80 based on the set temperature as the reference temperature of the temperature switching chamber 4, the present invention is not limited to this. The reference temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 may be the measured indoor temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 . For example, the control device 90 may control the air passage switching means 80 based on the room temperature detected by the temperature switchable room temperature sensor 35 that detects the temperature inside the temperature switchable room 4 . With such a configuration, when the temperature switchable chamber 4 is opened and outside air flows in and the indoor temperature rises significantly, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 can be switched according to the increased temperature. Further, heat exchange between the temperature switchable chamber return air and the cooler 21 can be performed with a cooling amount corresponding to the increased temperature. Furthermore, the reference temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 may be, for example, the average value of the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the measured room temperature. The reference temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 may be based on at least one of the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the measured room temperature.

Although the number of temperature zones adjusted in the temperature switchable chamber 4 and the number of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 are the same in the above description, they are not particularly limited. For example, while the number of temperature zones adjusted in the temperature switchable chamber 4 is three, the number of the temperature switchable chamber return air passages 50 may be two. In this case, as an example, when the temperature zone of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is either the chilled temperature zone or the supercooled temperature zone, the temperature switchable temperature switch located upstream in the air flow direction D1 in the cooler chamber 23 It may be switched to the temperature switching chamber return air passage 50 having the chamber return port 51 . Further, when the temperature zone of the temperature switchable chamber 4 is the soft freezing temperature zone, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 having the temperature switchable chamber return port 51 positioned downstream with respect to the air flow direction D1 is used. can be

Embodiment 2.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150 and its surroundings in refrigerator 101 according to the second embodiment. Refrigerator 101 according to Embodiment 2 differs from Embodiment 1 in that air passage switching means 180 is composed of a switching valve as a switching mechanism provided in temperature switching chamber return air passage 150 . In the second embodiment, parts common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 12, the refrigerator 101 includes a plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 150 including a first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150A, a second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150B, and a third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150B. A return air path 150C is provided. The plurality of temperature-switchable chamber return air passages 150 have a temperature-switchable chamber return port 151 provided in the cooler chamber 23 . Specifically, the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150A has a first temperature switchable chamber return port 151A, the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150B has a second temperature switchable chamber return port 151B, and a second temperature switchable chamber return port 151B. The 3-temperature-switchable chamber return air passage 150C has a 3rd temperature-switchable chamber return port 151C. The temperature switchable chamber return port 151 is composed of a third temperature switchable chamber return port 151C, a second temperature switchable chamber return port 151B, and a first temperature switchable chamber return port from the upstream side with respect to the air flow direction D1 in the cooler chamber . 151A. Similarly to the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 50 of Embodiment 1, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150 branches from one temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 to the cooler chamber 23 to form a temperature switchable chamber. It is configured to connect to each of the return ports 151 . Specifically, at the first branch portion 153 on the downstream side of the temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52, the third temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150C is connected to the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150A and the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150A. It branches off from the return air path 150B. Further, at a second branch portion 154 on the downstream side of the first branch portion 153, the first temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150A and the second temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150B are branched.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of refrigerator 101 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 13, the control device 90 is electrically connected to each of the first switching valve 182 and the second switching valve 183 by signal lines, for example. As in the first embodiment, the control device 90 controls the air passage switching means 180 to switch the temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150 based on the set temperature of the temperature switchable chamber 4 . At this time, the control device 90 selects the temperature-switchable chamber return air passage 150 to be switched based on the set temperature of the temperature-switchable chamber 4, and switches to the selected temperature-switchable chamber return air passage 150. 2 switching valve 183 is controlled.

In this manner, the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return air passages 150 branch from the temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet 52 that opens to the temperature switchable chamber 4 to the cooler chamber 23 , and branch to each of the temperature switchable chamber return ports 151 . configured to lead to The air passage switching means 180 also has a first switching valve 182 and a second switching valve 183 for switching the temperature switching chamber return air passages 150 at the branched portions of the plurality of temperature switching chamber return air passages 150 . By adopting such a configuration, the number of switching mechanisms can be reduced compared to the case where switching mechanisms such as dampers are provided at each temperature switching chamber return port 151 of the temperature switching chamber return air passage 150, and the cost can be reduced. Air path switching means 180 can be configured.

Embodiment 3.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of temperature switchable chamber return air passage 150 and its surroundings in refrigerator 201 according to the third embodiment. Refrigerator 201 according to Embodiment 3 differs from refrigerator 101 according to Embodiment 2 in that it further includes heating means for preventing the switching mechanism from freezing. In the third embodiment, parts common to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the refrigerator 201 includes a first anti-freezing heater 184 and a second anti-freezing heater 185 as heating means. The heating means is composed of, for example, an electric heater.

The first anti-freezing heater 184 is provided around the first branch portion 153 to prevent the first switching valve 182 from freezing. A second antifreeze heater 185 is provided around the second branch portion 154 to prevent the second switching valve 183 from freezing. The first switching valve 182 and the second switching valve 183 switch the air path by being in direct contact with the inner wall of the temperature switching chamber return air path 150 . If the first switching valve 182 or the second switching valve 183 does not operate for a long period of time, it may freeze in contact with the inner wall of the air passage. The first branch portion 153 and the second branch portion 154 are respectively heated by the first antifreeze heater 184 and the second antifreeze heater 185 to prevent freezing.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of refrigerator 201 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 15, the control device 90 is electrically connected to each of the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 185 by signal lines, for example. Control device 90 heats each of first anti-freezing heater 184 and second anti-freezing heater 185 by controlling energization of each. In order to prevent freezing of the first switching valve 182 and the second switching valve 183, the control device 90 operates the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 185 at regular intervals, for example.

The timing of heating the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 185 may be synchronized with the defrosting of the cooler 21 . Water vapor contained in the air flowing into the cooler chamber 23 adheres to the cooler 21 as frost. When an excessive amount of frost adheres to the cooler 21, the heat exchange efficiency of the refrigerating cycle 27 is lowered, and as a result, the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator 201 is significantly lowered. For this reason, the cooler 21 is provided with a defrosting heater (not shown) for defrosting. When defrosting the cooler 21, the defrosting heater operates.

If the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 185 are operated all the time, the power consumption will increase, and the temperature switching chamber return air passage 150 will be overheated, which may hinder the cooling of the temperature switching chamber return air. There is Therefore, by operating the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 185 during the defrosting of the cooler 21, the first anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater 184 and the second anti-freezing heater are operated in accordance with the temperature rise around the cooler 21 by the defrosting heater. 2 Antifreeze heater 185 is heated. The heating of the first anti-freezing heater 184 becomes the minimum amount of heating, and the anti-freezing of the first switching valve 182 and the second switching valve 183 can be implemented without impeding the cooling of the return air from the temperature switching chamber.

Refrigerator 201 according to Embodiment 3 described above further includes first anti-freezing heater 184 and second anti-freezing heater 185 that prevent first switching valve 182 and second switching valve 183 from freezing. Such a configuration prevents the first switching valve 182 and the second switching valve 183 provided at the branched portion of the temperature switching chamber return air passage 150 from freezing and becoming inoperable.

Appropriate combination, modification, or omission of each embodiment is also included within the scope of the technical ideas shown in the embodiment. Also, in the description so far, it has been described that the object to be cooled stored in the storage chamber is food, but the object is not limited to this. For example, the object to be cooled may be collected from the natural world such as raw meat of small animals that are not edible, or raw meat of experimental animals such as cloned animals.

1 refrigerator, 2 main body, 3 refrigerator, 4 temperature switchable chamber, 5 freezer, 6 operation panel, 13 refrigerator door, 14 temperature switcher door, 15 freezer door, 17 partition wall, 18 partition wall, 21 cooling vessel, 22 blower, 23 cooler room, 24 compressor, 25 condenser, 26 decompression device, 27 refrigeration cycle, 28 machine room, 29 cold air passage, 31 cold room damper, 32 temperature switching room damper, 33 freezer room damper , 34 refrigerating chamber temperature sensor, 35 temperature switching chamber temperature sensor, 36 freezing chamber temperature sensor, 40 refrigerating chamber return air passage, 41 refrigerating chamber return port, 42 refrigerating chamber return air passage inlet, 50 temperature switching chamber return air passage, 50A 1st temperature switching chamber return air path, 50B 2nd temperature switching chamber return air path, 50C 3rd temperature switching chamber return air path, 51 temperature switching chamber return port, 51A 1st temperature switching chamber return port, 51B 2nd temperature switching Room return port, 51C Third temperature switching chamber return port, 52 Temperature switching chamber return air passage inlet, 60 Freezing chamber return air passage, 61 Freezing chamber return port, 62 Freezing chamber return air passage inlet, 71 Heat transfer tube, 72 Connecting pipe , 73 Cooler inlet side, 74 Cooler outlet side, 75 Cooler chamber lowermost region, 76 Cooler lower region, 77 Cooler middle lower region, 78 Cooler middle upper region, 79 Cooler upper region, 80 Air passage Switching means 81A First temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81B Second temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 81C Third temperature switching chamber return air passage damper 90 Control device 91 Temperature setting unit 92 Temperature comparison unit 93 Equipment control unit, 94 storage unit, 95 processor, 96 memory, 101 refrigerator, 150 temperature switching chamber return air passage, 150A first temperature switching chamber return air passage, 150B second temperature switching chamber return air passage, 150C third temperature Switching chamber return air path 151 Temperature switching chamber return port 151A First temperature switching chamber return port 151B Second temperature switching chamber return port 151C Third temperature switching chamber return port 153 First branch portion 154 Second branch portion, 180 air path switching means, 182 first switching valve, 183 second switching valve, 184 first anti-freezing heater, 185 second anti-freezing heater, 201 refrigerator, 211 fins, 211a notched portion, 212a notched portion, 212b notched portion, 212c notched portion, 213 notched fin, 213a first notched fin, 213b second notched fin, 213c third notched fin, 214 smooth fin, 223 front wall, 223a inclined, 224 rear wall , 224a inclination, S1 first notch area, S2 second notch area, S3 third notch area, d1 first clearance, d2 second clearance.

Claims

a temperature switchable chamber in which the set temperature can be switched within a temperature range from a refrigeration temperature range to a freezing temperature range lower in temperature than the refrigeration temperature range;
a cooler chamber that houses a cooler that has a plurality of fins to cool air; and a blower that sends the air cooled by the cooler to the temperature switching chamber;
The cooler chamber faces the cooler and opens at positions different from each other with respect to the air flow direction, and is switched to one of them based on the temperature range of the temperature switchable chamber, and returns to the temperature switchable chamber. a plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports through which air is directed;
with
the plurality of fins includes notched fins provided with notches as frost-accumulating regions;
The notched fin is arranged at a position facing the temperature switchable chamber return port, from among the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports, to which temperature switchable chamber return air having a temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range is guided.
The notched fin includes a plurality of notched fins with different notch areas,
In the notched fin at a position facing the temperature switchable chamber return port through which the temperature switchable chamber return air having the largest temperature difference with the cooler is led, the notched fin has the largest area,
2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the cutout area of the cutout fin at a position facing the return port of the temperature switching chamber decreases as the temperature difference with the cooler decreases.
The cooler chamber is
a first clearance between a front surface of the cooler facing the plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports and a front wall of the cooler chamber in which the plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports are formed;
a second clearance between a back surface of the cooler opposite the front surface and a back wall of the cooler chamber;
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first clearance distance is greater than the second clearance distance.
The front wall and the rear wall of the cooler chamber are:
having an inclination with respect to the vertical such that the distance between the first clearance and the second clearance varies in the direction of flow of the air;
4. The refrigerator according to claim 3, wherein the inclination angle of the front wall is greater than the inclination angle of the rear wall.
A first notch is defined as the area of the cut surface of the notch in the notched fin facing the temperature switchable chamber return port through which the temperature switchable chamber return air whose temperature range is set closest to the refrigerating temperature range is guided. Let the area be S1,
The notch in the notch fin facing the temperature switchable chamber return port through which the temperature switchable chamber return air having a temperature range closer to the freezing temperature range than the temperature range closest to the refrigerating temperature range is guided. When the area of the cut surface of is the second notch area S2,
5. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a relation of second notch area S2>first notch area S1 is established.
a refrigerating room set in the refrigerating temperature zone;
a freezer compartment set in the freezer temperature zone,
In the cooler chamber,
a refrigerating chamber return port disposed on the upstream side of the air flow relative to the cooler and through which air from the refrigerating chamber in the refrigerating temperature range is guided;
a freezer compartment return port that faces the cooler and is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow relative to the plurality of temperature switchable compartment return ports, through which air from the freezer compartment in the freezing temperature range is guided;
is formed and
The plurality of temperature switching chamber return ports are
6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the refrigerator is arranged downstream of the refrigeration compartment return port and upstream of the freezer compartment return port with respect to the air flow direction.
The temperature switchable chamber has at least three of a chilled temperature zone of 0°C or higher and lower than 3°C, a supercooled temperature zone of -3°C or higher and lower than 0°C, and a soft freezing temperature zone of -10°C or higher and -5°C or lower. 7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which is switchable between two temperature zones.
air path switching means for switching the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports to one of the temperature switchable chamber return ports based on the temperature of the temperature switchable chamber;
a control device for controlling the air passage switching means to switch one of the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports based on the temperature of the temperature switchable chamber;
further comprising
The control device causes the air path switching means to
when the temperature of the temperature switchable chamber is included in the first temperature zone, switching to the first temperature switchable chamber return port among the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports;
When the temperature of the temperature switchable chamber is included in a second temperature zone that is lower than the first temperature zone, the direction of the air flow is greater than the first temperature switchable chamber return port among the plurality of temperature switchable chamber return ports. 8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein control is performed to switch to the second temperature switchable chamber return port located downstream of the second temperature switchable chamber.
By switching the air passage switching means to the one temperature switchable chamber return port by the control device, the temperature switchable chamber return air passage inlet opening to the temperature switchable chamber passes through the one temperature switchable chamber return port. The refrigerator according to claim 8, wherein a temperature switching chamber return air passage leading to the cooler chamber is formed.
The refrigerator according to claim 9, further comprising heating means for preventing freezing of the air passage switching means.