JP3657184B2

JP3657184B2 - refrigerator

Info

Publication number: JP3657184B2
Application number: JP2000285450A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 正恭西田; 善一井上; 宏吉村
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2000-09-20
Filing date: 2000-09-20
Publication date: 2005-06-08
Anticipated expiration: 2020-09-20
Also published as: JP2002090028A

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a refrigerator, in which a plurality of storage chambers of different temperatures are cooled by the same cooler, cooling efficiency can be improved, and the low chamber-temperature can be easily maintained. SOLUTION: In the refrigerator, a storage chamber 10 keeps supplies, a cooler 25 generates cool air for cooling the chamber 10 and an ice-temperature chamber 14. The cool air is branched and conducted through a cool-air discharging path 27 and an ice-temperature duct 60 into the chambers 10 and 14. A cool-air return path 28 conducts the cool air in the storage chamber 10 into the cooler 25. A member 42 forming the cool-air discharging path 27 and the ice-temperature duct 60 releases the cold by the cool air circulating in the path 21 and duct 60 into the storage chamber 10.

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は冷蔵庫に関し、特に、冷却器により生成された冷気を貯蔵室内に吐出するとともに該冷気による冷熱を貯蔵室内に放出する冷蔵庫に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来の冷蔵庫は例えば特開平１０−２５３２１８号公報に開示されている。同公報によると、冷蔵庫は上から冷蔵室、野菜室、冷凍室に区分けされ、冷凍室の背後に冷気を生成する冷却器が設けられている。冷却器からは、冷蔵室に向かう冷蔵室用冷気通路と、冷凍室に向かう冷凍室用冷気通路とが導出されている。
【０００３】
冷却器の蒸発温度は例えば−２０℃になっており、冷凍室用冷気通路を通る冷気が冷凍室に吐出される。そして、冷凍室内の空気と熱交換して冷気戻り通路を通って冷却器に戻る。これにより冷凍室内が例えば−１０℃に冷却されるようになっている。
【０００４】
冷蔵室用冷気通路を通る冷気は送風機により冷気流量が調整されており、所定の時期に冷気が冷蔵室に吐出される。そして、冷蔵室内の空気と熱交換した後、冷蔵室と連通した野菜室に流入し、野菜室内を冷却して冷気戻り通路を通って冷却器に戻る。これにより、冷蔵室及び野菜室内がそれぞれ例えば３℃、５℃に冷却されるようになっている。
【０００５】
また、冷蔵室内の下部には氷温室が設けられている。氷温室内には冷蔵室用冷却通路を通る冷気が分岐して吐出される。氷温室は冷却器から近い位置に配されるため吐出されるまでの経路が短くなっている。このため、外部との熱交換によって奪われる冷熱量が少なく低温の冷気が吐出される。これにより、氷温室の室内温度が例えば−１℃に設定されている。
【０００６】
また、冷蔵室及び野菜室を冷却するための冷蔵室用冷却器と、冷凍室を冷却するための冷凍室用冷却器とを別々に設けた冷蔵庫も知られている。この冷蔵庫は、冷蔵室及び野菜室の温度に応じて冷蔵室用冷却器の蒸発温度を上げることができ、省電力化を図ることができるようになっている。
【０００７】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記の従来の冷蔵庫によると、冷蔵室用冷却通路を通る冷気が冷蔵室と氷温室とに分離されるため、冷蔵室に吐出される冷気量が減少する。このため、冷蔵室内を所定の室温に維持するために長時間送風機を駆動して冷凍サイクルを運転する必要があり冷却効率が悪い問題があった。同様に、冷蔵室用冷却器を設けた場合であっても長時間冷蔵室用冷却器の冷凍サイクルを運転する必要があり冷却効率が悪い問題があった。
【０００８】
また、冷蔵室内が所定の室温になって冷気の循環を停止した際に、氷温室内の冷気と冷蔵室内の冷気との間で熱交換が行われ、氷温室を低温に維持することが困難となる問題もあった。特に冬季には冷却器の冷凍サイクルの運転時間が短くなるので、氷温室の温度維持が著しく困難となる。
【０００９】
本発明は、室内温度の異なる複数の貯蔵室を同じ冷却器で冷却する冷蔵庫において冷却効率を向上させることができるとともに、低温の室内温度を容易に維持することのできる冷蔵庫を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するために本発明は、貯蔵物を収納する第１、第２貯蔵室と、第１、第２貯蔵室を冷却するための冷気を生成する冷却器と、前記冷却器で生成された冷気を前記第１、第２貯蔵室に送るための送風機を設け、該冷気を第１、第２貯蔵室にそれぞれ導く第１、第２冷気吐出通路を有し、前記冷却器を第１貯蔵室の上方の第１貯蔵室に面した位置に配置するとともに、第１貯蔵室内の下方に第２貯蔵室を配置し、第１貯蔵室の冷気を前記冷却器に戻す冷気戻り通路を設け、第１、第２冷気吐出通路、前記冷気戻り通路と第１貯蔵室との隔壁を形成し、第１、第２冷気吐出通路内、前記冷気戻り通路内を流通する冷気による冷熱を伝えて第１貯蔵室内に放出する部材を備え、前記第１貯蔵室には冷蔵室を設け、前記第１、第２冷気吐出通路の前記部材に面する側に断熱材を配し、前記部材は熱伝導率が大きい材料からなり、前記断熱材の後方に前記送風機が位置することを特徴としている。
【００１１】
この構成によると、冷却器により生成された冷気は分岐して第１、第２冷気吐出通路を介してそれぞれ第１、第２貯蔵室内に吐出される。そして、第１、第２冷気吐出通路を通る冷気による冷熱が経路途中で部材に伝えられ、部材を介して第１貯蔵室内の冷気との熱交換が行われて第１貯蔵室内に冷熱が放出される。これにより、第１貯蔵室内が均一に冷却される。また第１、第２冷気吐出通路から第１、第２貯蔵室に吐出される冷気が冷気戻り通路を通って冷却器に戻る循環手段の停止時に、冷却器周辺の低温で比重が大きい冷気が第２冷気吐出通路を流下して第２貯蔵室を冷却する。
【００１２】
また、第２冷気吐出通路を通る冷気による第１貯蔵室への冷熱の放出が断熱材により抑制される。これにより、低温の冷気が第２貯蔵室に吐出されるとともに、部材表面の結露が防止される。
【００１３】
また前記部材は所定の箇所で分断して配されていることを特徴とする。また本発明は、上記構成の冷蔵庫において、第２貯蔵室は第１貯蔵室内に配される隔離室から成ることを特徴としている。また、更に、前記第１貯蔵室の下方に冷凍室を設け、前記第１、第２貯蔵室を冷却するための冷気を生成する冷却器と、前記冷凍室を冷却するための冷気を生成する冷却器とは異なる冷却器であることを特徴としている。
【００１４】
また本発明は、上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記部材は、第１貯蔵室及び第１、第２冷気吐出通路の壁面を形成する他の部分の材料よりも熱伝導率が大きい材料から成ることを特徴としている。
【００１７】
また本発明は、上記構成の冷蔵庫において、第１貯蔵室の左右方向の一端部に製氷を行うための給水タンクを備え、他端部に第２冷気吐出通路を配置するとともに中央部に前記冷気戻り通路を配したことを特徴としている。この構成によると、第１貯蔵室内の下方の一端部に給水タンクが配されて貯水される。第２冷気吐出通路が給水タンクと離れた他端部に配されて第２貯蔵室に低温の冷気が導かれ、給水タンクと第２冷気吐出通路との間に配される冷気戻り通路を通って冷気が冷却器に戻される。
【００１８】
また本発明は、上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記冷気戻り通路の経路途中に第２貯蔵室に臨む開口部を設けたことを特徴としている。この構成によると、冷却器の冷気を循環する循環手段の停止時に、冷却器周辺の低温で比重の大きい冷気が冷気戻り通路を流下する。そして、開口部を介して第２貯蔵室に流入して第２貯蔵室を冷却する。
【００１９】
また本発明は、上記構成の冷蔵庫において、第２冷気吐出通路の断面積または第２冷気吐出通路の吐出口の開口面積を可変できるようにしたことを特徴としている。この構成によると、第２貯蔵室に吐出される冷気量が可変され、第２貯蔵室内の室内温度の調整が可能となる。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の実施形態を図面を参照して説明する。図１、図２は第１実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す側面断面図及び正面図である。冷蔵庫１は外面を覆う外箱２ａの内側に内箱２ｂが配され、外箱２ａと内箱２ｂとの隙間には発泡ウレタン等の断熱材２ｃが充填されている。冷蔵庫１の内部は上から冷蔵室１１、野菜室１２、冷凍室１３の順に区分けされている。
【００２２】
野菜室１２と冷凍室１３とは断熱材から成る仕切枠１７及び仕切板１９によって仕切られており、冷凍室１３は更に断熱材から成る仕切枠１８により上部と下部に仕切られている。冷蔵室１１と野菜室１２とは断熱材から成る仕切枠１６及び樹脂成形品から成る仕切板３１、３２によって仕切られている。
【００２３】
冷蔵室１１の下部には仕切板４６で仕切られた隔離室である氷温室（第２貯蔵室）１４が設けられている。冷蔵室１１には食品等を載置する複数の棚４５が設けられている。冷蔵室１１の前面は回動式の断熱扉３により開閉可能になっている。野菜室１２、冷凍室１３の上部及び冷凍室１３の下部は夫々スライド式の断熱扉４、５、６により前面が開閉可能になっており、収納容器５４、５５、５６を引出せるようになっている。
【００２４】
冷凍室１３の後部には圧縮機２０が配されており、圧縮機２０は冷気通路２３、２９内に配される冷却器２１、２５に接続されて冷凍サイクルが構成されている。冷凍サイクルの回路図を図３に示すと、圧縮機２０には凝縮器７１が連結されており、矢印Ａ１のように冷媒がキャピラリーチューブ７２、７３及び冷却器２５を通って圧縮機２０に戻る第１の冷凍サイクルが構成されている。また、矢印Ａ２のように冷媒がキャピラリーチューブ７２、７４及び冷却器２１を通って圧縮機２０に戻る第２の冷凍サイクルが構成されている。７７は凝縮器７１を冷却する冷却ファンである。
【００２５】
第１の冷凍サイクルと第２の冷凍サイクルとは並列に構成され、開閉弁７８を開くと第１の冷凍サイクルと第２の冷凍サイクルとが同時に運転される。従って、冷却器２１、２５による冷却が行われ、送風機２２、２６の駆動により冷凍室１３及び冷蔵室１１に冷気が送出される。
【００２６】
開閉弁７８を閉じると、第２の冷凍サイクルが運転され、冷却器２１による冷却が行われて送風機２２の駆動により冷凍室１３のみの冷却が行われる。冷蔵室１１と冷凍室１３とのそれぞれに専用の冷却器２５、２１を設けているので、冷却器２５の冷却温度を高く設定して冷却器２５、部材４２及び冷蔵室１１内の結露や氷結を抑制することができるようになっている。また、冷蔵室１１及び野菜室１２の室内温度が所定範囲内にある場合には、圧縮機２０及び冷却ファン７７を出力を下げて第２の冷凍サイクルを運転することにより、省エネルギー化を図ることができるようになっている。
【００２７】
更に、冷却器２１、２５を並列に配しているので、冷媒の流通する配管接続を簡素化することができる。即ち、溶接箇所の多くを圧縮機２０が配される機械室内に設けることができ生産性やメンテナンス性が向上する。尚、７５、７６は冷蔵室１１及び冷凍室１３内の温度を検知する温度センサであり、温度センサ７５、７６の検知によって圧縮機２０が駆動されるようになっている。
【００２８】
開閉弁７８に替えて、図中、破線で示す三方弁７９を設けてもよい。三方弁７９の切替によって第１の冷凍サイクルと第２の冷凍サイクルとを同時に運転する場合と、第１、第２の冷凍サイクルの一方を運転する場合とに切り替えて冷蔵室１１及び冷凍室１３を冷却することができる。
【００２９】
図１、図２において、冷却器２１、２５の下方には冷却器２１、２５の除霜を行う除霜ヒータ６１、６２が設けられている。６３、６４はドレン受け部材である。冷却器２１は冷気通路２３内に配されており、冷気通路２３の壁面は内箱２ｂと樹脂成形品から成るエバカバー３３とにより形成されている。送風機２２は冷気通路２３内の冷却器２１の上方に配されている。冷気通路２３は冷凍室１３の背面板３３ａに設けられた吐出口１３ａ、１３ｃ及び戻り口１３ｂによって冷凍室１３と連通している。
【００３０】
冷却器２５は冷気通路２９内に配され、送風機２６は冷却器２５の上方に配されている。冷気通路２９は冷却器２５により生成された冷気を冷蔵室１１に導く冷気吐出通路２７（第１冷気吐出通路）と、冷蔵室１１を通って野菜室１２から冷気を冷却器２５に戻す冷気戻り通路２８とから成っている。
【００３１】
冷気戻り通路２８の壁面は冷蔵室１１及び氷温室１４の背壁を形成する部材４２と内箱２ｂにより形成されている。冷気吐出通路２７は隔壁２７ａにより前後に分割され、部材４２と隔壁２７ａとから成る前部２７ｄと、隔壁２７ａと内箱２ｂとから成る後部２７ｅとを有している。隔壁２７ａにより冷却器２５と圧力室２７ｂとが隔離され、隔壁２７ａに送風機２６が取り付けられている。部材４２は図４に示すようにアルミニウムやステンレス等の金属板を板金加工して形成さている。
【００３２】
冷蔵室１１の天井部分には冷気吐出通路２７と連通する天井冷気吐出通路５７が設けられている。天井冷気吐出通路５７の壁面は樹脂成形品から成る上面板４３と内箱２ｂとにより形成されている。部材４２及び上面板４３には吐出口４２ａ、４３ａが設けられている。冷蔵室１１の天井中央部には透明な照明カバー５３で覆われた照明灯５１が設けられ、冷蔵室１１内を照明するようになっている。
【００３３】
冷気戻り通路２８の左方には、製氷器６７に給水するために貯水する給水タンク６６が配されており、右方には送風機２６の吐出側から分岐して氷温室１４の背面に冷気を導く氷温ダクト６０が設けられている。また、野菜室１２の背後には、圧縮機２０、送風機２３、２６等を駆動するための電気回路５８が断熱材２ｃを介して設置されている。
【００３４】
上記構成の冷蔵庫１において、圧縮機２０の駆動により第２の冷凍サイクルが運転されると、冷却器２１による冷却が行われ、送風機２２が駆動される。これにより、冷凍室１３内の空気は戻り口１３ｂから冷気通路２３に吸引される。該空気は冷却器２１と熱交換して冷却され、吐出口１３ａ、１３ｃから冷凍室１３に吐出される。これにより、冷凍室１３内が例えば−２０℃に冷却される。
【００３５】
第１の冷凍サイクルの運転により送風機２６が駆動されると、野菜室１２内の空気は戻り口１２ｂから冷気戻り通路２８に吸引される。該空気は冷却器２５と熱交換して冷却され、冷気吐出通路２７内を流通して吐出口４２ａ、４３ａから冷蔵室１１内に吐出される。
【００３６】
冷蔵室１１内の冷気は棚４５の間や棚４５の前面を通り連通路１２ａを介して野菜室１２内の前方に吐出される。そして、収納容器５４の前面から下方を通って野菜室１２内を冷却し、戻り口１２ｂから冷気戻り通路２８に導かれて冷気が循環する。吐出口４２ａ、４３ａから冷蔵室１１に吐出された冷気は、野菜室１２に流入するまでの間に食品等に冷熱を奪われる。これにより、冷蔵室１１内は例えば３℃に冷却され、野菜室１２内は例えば５℃に冷却される。
【００３７】
また、送風機２６から送出される冷気の一部は直ちに分岐して氷温ダクト６０を介して吐出口６０ａから氷温室１４に適量吐出される。これにより、氷温室１４内の温度を例えば−１℃に維持できるようになっている。氷温室１４内に貯蔵される貯蔵物に応じて氷温室１４内に吐出される冷気量を可変して室温を調節してもよい。
【００３８】
例えば、冷気量を少量にして室温を０℃付近にするとチルド室となり、冷気量を更に少なくして室温を５℃付近にすると野菜室にもなる。冷気量の可変は、図６に示すように、吐出口６０ａを覆う扉６０ｂによる開閉により行うことができる。また、氷温ダクト６０の断面積を可変して冷気量の調節を行うようにしてもよいが、吐出口６０ａの面積を可変する方が吐出される冷気量を使用者が容易に判断できるのでより望ましい。
【００３９】
本実施形態の冷蔵庫は冷蔵室１１及び野菜室１２を一つの貯蔵室（第１貯蔵室）とみなすことができ、その概略構成は図７に示すようになる。冷却器２５で生成された冷気の温度は例えば−２０℃になっている。該冷気は送風機２６により矢印Ａ１の方向に冷気吐出通路２７（第１冷気吐出通路）を通る。
【００４０】
この時、部材４２は金属から成るので、冷気の冷熱の一部が部材４２と熱交換されて部材４２の温度が例えば約−５℃になり、貯蔵室１０内にＢ１のように冷熱が放出される。このため、冷気吐出通路２７及び天井冷気吐出通路５７を通って吐出口４２ａ、４３ａ（図１参照）から矢印Ａ２の方向に吐出される冷気の温度は例えば約−１０℃になる。
【００４１】
また、氷温ダクト６０（第２冷気吐出通路）を通って矢印Ａ４の方向に吐出口６０ａから氷温室１４（第２貯蔵室）に冷気が吐出される。この冷気による冷熱も氷温ダクト６０を通る際に部材４２を介して矢印Ｂ２のように貯蔵室１０内に放出される。貯蔵室１０内に吐出された冷気及び放出された冷熱は貯蔵室１０内の空気と熱交換して、貯蔵室１０（冷蔵室１１）内が例えば約３℃に冷却される。
【００４２】
そして、貯蔵室１０内の冷気が戻り口１２ｂから矢印Ａ３の方向に冷気戻り通路２８に流入する。この時、貯蔵室１０内の冷気との熱交換が完全には行われないため、冷気戻り通路２８に流入する冷気の温度は例えば約−１℃になっている。
【００４３】
部材４２は冷気戻り通路２８の前面まで延びて設けられているので、冷気戻り通路２８に流入する冷気による冷熱が貯蔵室１０内に放出される。従って、より効率良く貯蔵室１０内を冷却するとともに、冷却器２５の蒸発温度を上昇させることができる。これにより、冷却器２５の動作係数が増加し、圧縮機２０（図１参照）の仕事量に対して吸収熱量が大きくなるため、省エネルギー化を図ることができる。尚、各室の温度は冷却器２５の蒸発温度、冷却器２５の冷却能力、送風機２６の送風量及び各室の容積等により定められる。
【００４４】
前述したように、氷温ダクト６０を通る冷気による冷熱の一部は部材４２と熱交換されて貯蔵室１０内に放出される。従って、冷却器２５から冷気吐出通路２７と氷温ダクト６０とに分岐して冷蔵室１１内に吐出される冷気量が減少しても、冷気吐出通路２７だけでなく氷温ダクト６０を通る冷気の冷熱によっても冷蔵室１１内を冷却することができる。その結果、冷却効率を向上させることができる。しかも、部材４２の全面から冷熱を放出するため、室内の均一な冷却が可能となる。
【００４５】
尚、本実施形態に限られず、金属から成る部材４２に替えて冷熱を伝えて放出する部材を設けることにより上記と同様の効果を得ることができる。例えば、部材４２は冷蔵室１１や冷気通路２９の内壁を構成する樹脂成形品から成る内箱２ｂよりも熱伝導性の高い材料であればよく、セラミック材料や金属フィラーを含浸した樹脂材料等を使用してもよい。また、部材４２の厚みが厚い場合は蓄冷能力が上がり、強度も増加する。厚みが薄い場合は冷熱の放出効率が向上し、軽量化にも有利である。そのため、目的に応じて薄板材や厚板材を適時適所に選択して設ければよい。
【００４６】
部材４２の表面には凹凸形状をプレス加工等により形成してもよい。このようにすると、部材４２の表面積を増加させることができ、畜冷する量及び冷熱放出量が増加してより均一な冷却を行うことができる。凹凸形状は線状に連続した形状にすることにより部材４２の強度を向上させることができる。
【００４７】
また、部材４２を図５に示すようなゼリー状や液状の保冷材４２ｃを金属等の包装材４２ｆ、４２ｇにより封入した蓄冷部材にしてもよい。このようにすると、部材４２は冷気通路２９内を流通する冷気の冷熱でより蓄冷され、冷蔵室１１内の温度分布に応じて冷熱として放出する。従って、冷蔵室１１が均一に冷却されるようになる。
【００４８】
更に、蓄冷部材により圧縮機２０の停止中や冷気通路２９内の冷気温度の変動に対して吸熱や放熱を行い、冷気通路２９内の冷気温度を一定に維持することができる。そして、冷蔵室１１内の温度を安定して均一に一定の温度に保つことができる。
【００４９】
図７において、冷却器２５が冷蔵室１１の上方に配されるため、冷却器２５で生成された冷気が冷蔵室１１内に吐出されるまでの経路が短縮される。従って、冷蔵庫１の外部との熱交換による冷熱の放出が低減され、冷却効率が向上する。
【００５０】
更に、氷温室１４が冷却器２５の下方に配されているため、冷蔵室１１及び野菜室１２（図１参照）内の温度が所定の温度になり送風機２６及び第１の冷凍サイクルの運転が停止されると、冷却器２５の周辺の低温の冷気は比重が重いため氷温ダクト６０ａ内を流下する。そして、吐出口６０ａを介して低温の冷気が氷温室１４内に流入する。従って、第１の冷凍サイクルの運転が停止中であっても氷温室１４の温度上昇を抑制し、容易に氷温室１４を低温に維持できる。
【００５１】
図８は前述の図７と異なる断面を示す概略図である。貯蔵室１０の左右方向の略中央に設けられる冷気戻り通路２８には、氷温室１４に面して開口部２８ａが設けられている。このため上記と同様に、送風機２６及び第１の冷凍サイクルの運転が停止されると、冷却器２５の周辺の低温の冷気は比重が重いため冷気戻り通路２８内を流下する。そして、開口部２８ａを介して低温の冷気が矢印Ａ５に示すように氷温室１４内に流入する。従って、更に容易に氷温室１４を低温に維持できる。
【００５２】
また、冷気戻り通路２８の貯蔵室１０側の表面を部材４２により形成しているので、冷気戻り通路２８を矢印Ａ６のように流下した冷気による冷熱が部材４２を介して貯蔵室１０内に放出される（Ｂ３）。これにより、貯蔵室１０内の温度上昇を抑制することができる。
【００５３】
前述の図２において、上記したように給水タンク６６が冷蔵室１１の左端に配置され、氷温ダクト６０が冷蔵室１１の右端に配置されている。従って、氷温ダクト６０と給水タンク６６とが離れた位置に配置され氷温ダクト６０を通る低温の冷気による給水タンク６６内の貯水の凍結を防止することができる。この時、氷温ダクト６０と給水タンク６６との間には昇温された冷気が通る冷気戻り通路２８が配されているため、給水タンク６６内の貯水を凍結させることはない。
【００５４】
また、氷温ダクト６０と給水タンク６６との間に冷気戻り通路２８を設けて、氷温ダクト６０と冷気戻り通路２８が隣接するため、氷温ダクト６０の前面に配される部材４２と冷気戻り通路２８の前面に配される部材４２とを共通にすることができ部品点数を削減することができる。
【００５５】
次に、図９は第２実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す概略図である。前述の図７の第１実施形態と同一の部分については同一の符号を付している、第１実施形態と異なる点は部材４２の冷気通路２９及び氷温ダクト６０側の表面に断熱材６８を設けている点である。その他の構成は第１実施形態と同様である。
【００５６】
本実施形態によると、冷気吐出通路２７及び氷温ダクト６０を通る冷気の温度と冷蔵室１１内の温度との差が大きい場合に、部材４２の表面に生じる結露を断熱材６８により防止することができる。また、氷温ダクト６０から貯蔵室１０内に放出される冷熱量は減少するが、冷気の昇温を抑制して氷温室１４を容易に低温に維持することができる。断熱材６８を冷気吐出通路２７及び氷温ダクト６０のいずれか一方に設けてもよい。
【００５７】
尚、本発明において、部材４２を冷気吐出通路側と氷温ダクト側とに一体に形成しているものに関しては、必要な部分にのみ部材４２を分断して配してもよい。このようにしても、部材４２が配された部分では上記と同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００５８】
また、冷却器２１、２５として蒸発器を用いているが、ペルチェ方式やその他の冷却方式による冷却器を用いても同様の効果を得ることができる。また、冷却器２１、２５は直列方式の冷凍サイクルを用いても同様の効果を得ることができ、１つの冷却器により冷凍室と冷蔵室との両方を冷却する場合であっても同様の効果を得ることができる。
【００５９】
【発明の効果】
本発明によると、冷却器で生成された冷気が第１、第２冷気吐出通路に分岐して第１貯蔵室内に吐出される冷気量が減少しても、第１冷気吐出通路を通る冷気の冷熱を部材により第１貯蔵室内に放出して第１貯蔵室を冷却することができるので、冷却効率を向上させることができるとともに、部材を伝わって部材の全面から冷熱を放出するため、室内の均一な冷却が可能となる。更に、第２冷気吐出通路を通る冷気の冷熱をも部材により第１貯蔵室内に放出して第１貯蔵室を冷却することができるので、より冷却効率を向上させることができる。
【００６０】
また本発明によると、部材を第１貯蔵室及び第１、第２冷気吐出通路の壁面を形成する他の部分の材料よりも熱伝導率が大きい材料により形成することによって、簡単に第１貯蔵室内に冷熱を放出することができる。
【００６１】
また本発明によると、冷却器が第１貯蔵室の上方に配されるため、冷却器で生成された冷気が第１貯蔵室内に吐出されるまでの経路が短縮される。従って、外部との熱交換による冷熱の放出が低減され、冷却効率が向上する。更に、第２貯蔵室が冷却器の下方に配されているので、冷気の循環手段が停止されても冷却器の周辺の低温の冷気は比重が重いため第２冷気吐出通路内を流下して第２貯蔵室内に流入する。従って、第２貯蔵室の温度上昇を抑制し、容易に低温を維持できる。
【００６２】
また本発明によると、給水タンクが第１貯蔵室の一端に配置され、第２冷気吐出通路が第１貯蔵室の他端に配置されているので、第２冷気吐出通路を通る低温の冷気による給水タンク内の貯水の凍結を防止することができる。この時、第２冷気吐出通路と給水タンクとの間には昇温された冷気が通る冷気戻り通路が配されているため、給水タンク内の貯水を凍結させることはない。
【００６３】
また、第２冷気吐出通路と給水タンクとの間に冷気戻り通路を設けているため、第２冷気吐出通路との前面に配される部材と、冷気戻り通路の前面に配される部材とを共通にすることができ部品点数を削減することができる。
【００６４】
また本発明によると、冷気戻り通路に第２貯蔵室に面して開口部が設けられているので、冷気の循環手段が停止されても冷却器の周辺の低温の冷気は比重が重いため冷気戻り通路内を流下して第２貯蔵室内に流入する。従って、第２貯蔵室の温度上昇を抑制し、更に容易に低温を維持できる。
【００６５】
また本発明によると、第２冷気吐出通路の断面積または吐出口の開口面積を可変できるようにしているので、第２貯蔵室内に吐出される冷気量を容易に可変して、第２貯蔵室内に貯蔵される貯蔵物に応じて室温を調節することができる。
【００６６】
また本発明によると、第２冷気吐出通路の前記部材に面する側に断熱材を配しているので、第２冷気吐出通路を通る冷気の温度と第１貯蔵室内の温度との差が大きい場合に、部材の表面に生じる結露を防止することができる。また、第２冷気吐出通路から第１貯蔵室内に放出される冷熱量は減少するが、冷気の昇温を抑制して第２貯蔵室を容易に低温に維持することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す側面断面図である。
【図２】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す正面図である。
【図３】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の冷却サイクルを示す回路図である。
【図４】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の部材を示す斜視図である。
【図５】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の部材の他の構成を示す斜視図である。
【図６】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の氷温ダクトの吐出口の動作を説明する概略正面図である。
【図７】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の一側面断面を示す概略図である。
【図８】本発明の第１実施形態の冷蔵庫の他の側面断面を示す概略図である。
【図９】本発明の第２実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す概略図である。
【符号の説明】
１冷蔵庫
２ａ外箱
２ｂ内箱
３、４、５、６断熱扉
１１冷蔵室
１２野菜室
１３冷凍室
１４氷温室
２０圧縮機
２１、２５冷却器
２２、２６送風機
２３、２９冷気通路
２７冷気吐出通路
２８冷気戻り通路
４２部材
５１照明灯
５４、５５、５６収納容器
５７天井冷気吐出通路
５８電子回路
６０氷温ダクト
６１、６２除霜ヒータ
６８断熱材
７１凝縮器
７２、７３、７４キャピラリーチューブ
７５、７６温度センサ
７７冷却用ファン
７８開閉弁
７９三方弁[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a refrigerator, and more particularly, to a refrigerator that discharges cold air generated by a cooler into a storage chamber and releases cold heat from the cold air into the storage chamber.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A conventional refrigerator is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-253218. According to the publication, the refrigerator is divided into a refrigerator room, a vegetable room, and a freezer room from above, and a cooler that generates cold air is provided behind the freezer room. From the cooler, a cold air passage for the refrigerator compartment leading to the refrigerator compartment and a cold air passage for the freezer compartment leading to the freezer compartment are led out.
[0003]
The evaporating temperature of the cooler is, for example, −20 ° C., and cold air passing through the freezer compartment cold air passage is discharged into the freezer compartment. Then, it exchanges heat with the air in the freezer compartment and returns to the cooler through the cool air return passage. As a result, the inside of the freezer compartment is cooled to, for example, −10 ° C.
[0004]
The cool air flow rate of the cool air passing through the cool air passage for the refrigerating room is adjusted by a blower, and the cool air is discharged into the refrigerating room at a predetermined time. And after exchanging heat with the air in the refrigerator compartment, it flows into the vegetable compartment communicated with the refrigerator compartment, cools the vegetable compartment, returns to the cooler through the cold air return passage. Thereby, the refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment are each cooled to 3 degreeC and 5 degreeC, for example.
[0005]
In addition, an ice greenhouse is provided in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment. Cold air passing through the cooling passage for the refrigerator compartment is branched and discharged into the ice greenhouse. Because the ice greenhouse is located near the cooler, the path to discharge is shortened. For this reason, the amount of cold heat taken away by heat exchange with the outside is small, and low-temperature cold air is discharged. Thereby, the room temperature of an ice greenhouse is set, for example to -1 degreeC.
[0006]
There is also known a refrigerator in which a refrigerator for a refrigerator compartment for cooling the refrigerator compartment and the vegetable compartment and a refrigerator for the refrigerator compartment for cooling the freezer compartment are separately provided. This refrigerator can raise the evaporation temperature of the refrigerator for refrigerators according to the temperature of a refrigerator compartment and a vegetable compartment, and can achieve power saving.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, according to the above-described conventional refrigerator, the cold air passing through the refrigerating room cooling passage is separated into the refrigerating room and the ice greenhouse, so that the amount of cold air discharged to the refrigerating room is reduced. For this reason, in order to maintain the inside of a refrigerator compartment at predetermined room temperature, it was necessary to drive a fan for a long time and to operate a refrigerating cycle, and there was a problem that cooling efficiency was bad. Similarly, even when a refrigerator for the refrigerator compartment is provided, there is a problem that the cooling efficiency is poor because the refrigeration cycle of the refrigerator for the refrigerator compartment needs to be operated for a long time.
[0008]
In addition, when the inside of the refrigerating room reaches the predetermined room temperature and the circulation of the cold air is stopped, heat exchange is performed between the cold air in the ice greenhouse and the cold air in the cold room, making it difficult to keep the ice greenhouse at a low temperature. There was also a problem. Especially in winter, since the operation time of the refrigeration cycle of the cooler is shortened, it is extremely difficult to maintain the temperature of the ice greenhouse.
[0009]
An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can improve cooling efficiency in a refrigerator that cools a plurality of storage rooms having different indoor temperatures with the same cooler and can easily maintain a low indoor temperature. And
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides first and second storage chambers for storing stored items, a cooler for generating cool air for cooling the first and second storage chambers, and the cooler. Provided with a blower for sending the cooled air to the first and second storage chambers, and having first and second cold air discharge passages for guiding the cold air to the first and second storage chambers, respectively. A cold air return passage is disposed at a position facing the first storage chamber above the first storage chamber, a second storage chamber is disposed below the first storage chamber, and the cold air in the first storage chamber is returned to the cooler. Providing a partition between the first and second cold air discharge passages, the cold air return passage and the first storage chamber, and transferring cold heat from the cold air flowing through the first and second cold air discharge passages and the cold air return passage. the first comprises a section member to release the storage compartment Te, a refrigerating chamber provided in the first storage chamber, said first, second cool air discharge failure Disposing a heat insulating material on the side facing the member of the passage, said member is made of material having a large thermal conductivity, the blower behind the insulation material is being located.
[0011]
According to this configuration, the cold air generated by the cooler is branched and discharged into the first and second storage chambers via the first and second cold air discharge passages, respectively. Then, the cold heat by the cold air passing through the first and second cold air discharge passages is transmitted to the member in the middle of the route, and heat exchange with the cold air in the first storage chamber is performed via the member, and the cold heat is released into the first storage chamber. Is done. Thereby, the first storage chamber is uniformly cooled. In addition, when the cooling means for returning the cool air discharged from the first and second cool air discharge passages to the first and second storage chambers through the cool air return passage and returning to the cooler is stopped, cold air having a large specific gravity is generated at a low temperature around the cooler. The second storage chamber is cooled by flowing down the second cold air discharge passage.
[0012]
Also, cold release into the first storage chamber by cool air passing through the second cold air discharge passage is suppressed by the heat insulating material. As a result, low-temperature cold air is discharged into the second storage chamber, and condensation on the member surface is prevented.
[0013]
In addition, the member is divided at a predetermined location. According to the present invention, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the second storage chamber includes an isolation chamber arranged in the first storage chamber. Furthermore, a freezing room is provided below the first storage room, a cooler for generating cold air for cooling the first and second storage rooms, and cold air for cooling the freezing room are generated. The cooler is different from the cooler.
[0014]
In the refrigerator configured as described above, the member may be made of a material having a higher thermal conductivity than materials of other portions forming the wall surfaces of the first storage chamber and the first and second cold air discharge passages. It is a feature.
[0017]
In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the refrigerator includes a water supply tank for making ice at one end portion in the left-right direction of the first storage chamber, a second cold air discharge passage is disposed at the other end portion, and the cold air is disposed at a central portion. It is characterized by a return passage. According to this configuration, the water supply tank is arranged at the lower end of the first storage chamber to store water. The second cold air discharge passage is disposed at the other end away from the water supply tank so that the low-temperature cold air is guided to the second storage chamber, and passes through the cold air return passage disposed between the water supply tank and the second cold air discharge passage. The cool air is returned to the cooler.
[0018]
In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the present invention is characterized in that an opening facing the second storage chamber is provided in the course of the cold air return passage. According to this configuration, when the circulating means for circulating the cool air of the cooler is stopped, the cool air having a high specific gravity at a low temperature around the cooler flows down the cool air return passage. And it flows in into a 2nd storage room via an opening part, and cools a 2nd storage room.
[0019]
Further, the present invention is characterized in that, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the cross-sectional area of the second cold air discharge passage or the opening area of the discharge port of the second cold air discharge passage can be varied. According to this configuration, the amount of cool air discharged into the second storage chamber is varied, and the indoor temperature in the second storage chamber can be adjusted.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are a side sectional view and a front view showing the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. In the refrigerator 1, an inner box 2b is arranged inside an outer box 2a that covers the outer surface, and a gap between the outer box 2a and the inner box 2b is filled with a heat insulating material 2c such as urethane foam. The inside of the refrigerator 1 is divided into the refrigerator compartment 11, the vegetable compartment 12, and the freezer compartment 13 in order from the top.
[0022]
The vegetable compartment 12 and the freezer compartment 13 are partitioned by a partition frame 17 and a partition plate 19 made of a heat insulating material, and the freezer compartment 13 is further partitioned into an upper part and a lower part by a partition frame 18 made of a heat insulating material. The refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 12 are partitioned by a partition frame 16 made of a heat insulating material and partition plates 31 and 32 made of a resin molded product.
[0023]
An ice greenhouse (second storage room) 14, which is an isolation room partitioned by a partition plate 46, is provided at the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 11. The refrigerator compartment 11 is provided with a plurality of shelves 45 on which foods and the like are placed. The front surface of the refrigerator compartment 11 can be opened and closed by a rotating heat insulating door 3. The front of the vegetable compartment 12, the upper part of the freezer compartment 13 and the lower part of the freezer compartment 13 can be opened and closed by sliding heat insulating doors 4, 5, 6 so that the storage containers 54, 55, 56 can be pulled out. ing.
[0024]
A compressor 20 is disposed at the rear of the freezer compartment 13, and the compressor 20 is connected to coolers 21 and 25 disposed in the cold air passages 23 and 29 to constitute a refrigeration cycle. When the circuit diagram of the refrigeration cycle is shown in FIG. 3, a condenser 71 is connected to the compressor 20, and the refrigerant returns to the compressor 20 through the capillary tubes 72 and 73 and the cooler 25 as indicated by an arrow A1. A first refrigeration cycle is configured. Further, a second refrigeration cycle is configured in which the refrigerant returns to the compressor 20 through the capillary tubes 72 and 74 and the cooler 21 as indicated by an arrow A2. A cooling fan 77 cools the condenser 71.
[0025]
The first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle are configured in parallel, and when the on-off valve 78 is opened, the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle are operated simultaneously. Therefore, cooling is performed by the coolers 21 and 25, and cold air is sent to the freezer compartment 13 and the refrigerator compartment 11 by driving the blowers 22 and 26.
[0026]
When the on-off valve 78 is closed, the second refrigeration cycle is operated, cooling by the cooler 21 is performed, and only the freezer compartment 13 is cooled by driving the blower 22. Since the dedicated coolers 25 and 21 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 13, respectively, the cooling temperature of the cooler 25 is set high, and the dew condensation and icing in the cooler 25, the member 42 and the refrigerator compartment 11 are set. Can be suppressed. Moreover, when the room temperature of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 12 is in a predetermined range, energy saving is achieved by operating the second refrigeration cycle by lowering the output of the compressor 20 and the cooling fan 77. Can be done.
[0027]
Furthermore, since the coolers 21 and 25 are arranged in parallel, piping connection through which the refrigerant flows can be simplified. That is, many of the welding locations can be provided in the machine room in which the compressor 20 is arranged, so that productivity and maintainability are improved. Reference numerals 75 and 76 denote temperature sensors for detecting the temperatures in the refrigerator compartment 11 and the freezer compartment 13, and the compressor 20 is driven by the detection of the temperature sensors 75 and 76.
[0028]
Instead of the on-off valve 78, a three-way valve 79 indicated by a broken line in the figure may be provided. The refrigeration chamber 11 and the freezer compartment 13 are switched between a case where the first refrigeration cycle and the second refrigeration cycle are operated simultaneously by switching the three-way valve 79 and a case where one of the first and second refrigeration cycles is operated. Can be cooled.
[0029]
1 and 2, defrost heaters 61 and 62 for defrosting the coolers 21 and 25 are provided below the coolers 21 and 25. 63 and 64 are drain receiving members. The cooler 21 is disposed in the cool air passage 23, and the wall surface of the cool air passage 23 is formed by the inner box 2b and an evaporative cover 33 made of a resin molded product. The blower 22 is disposed above the cooler 21 in the cool air passage 23. The cold air passage 23 communicates with the freezer compartment 13 through discharge ports 13 a and 13 c and a return port 13 b provided in the back plate 33 a of the freezer compartment 13.
[0030]
The cooler 25 is disposed in the cool air passage 29, and the blower 26 is disposed above the cooler 25. The cold air passage 29 is a cold air discharge passage 27 (first cold air discharge passage) that guides the cold air generated by the cooler 25 to the refrigerating chamber 11, and a cold air return that returns the cold air from the vegetable compartment 12 to the cooler 25 through the refrigerating chamber 11. It consists of a passage 28.
[0031]
The wall surface of the cold air return passage 28 is formed by a member 42 that forms the back wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 and the ice greenhouse 14 and the inner box 2b. The cool air discharge passage 27 is divided into front and rear by a partition wall 27a, and has a front portion 27d composed of the member 42 and the partition wall 27a, and a rear portion 27e composed of the partition wall 27a and the inner box 2b. The cooler 25 and the pressure chamber 27b are isolated by the partition wall 27a, and the blower 26 is attached to the partition wall 27a. As shown in FIG. 4, the member 42 is formed by processing a metal plate such as aluminum or stainless steel.
[0032]
A ceiling cold air discharge passage 57 communicating with the cold air discharge passage 27 is provided in the ceiling portion of the refrigerator compartment 11. The wall surface of the ceiling cool air discharge passage 57 is formed by an upper surface plate 43 made of a resin molded product and the inner box 2b. The member 42 and the upper surface plate 43 are provided with discharge ports 42a and 43a. An illuminating lamp 51 covered with a transparent illumination cover 53 is provided in the center of the ceiling of the refrigerator compartment 11 so as to illuminate the interior of the refrigerator compartment 11.
[0033]
A water supply tank 66 for storing water for supplying water to the ice maker 67 is arranged on the left side of the cold air return passage 28, and on the right side is branched from the discharge side of the blower 26 to cool the back of the ice greenhouse 14. A leading ice temperature duct 60 is provided. Further, behind the vegetable compartment 12, an electric circuit 58 for driving the compressor 20, the blowers 23, 26 and the like is installed via a heat insulating material 2c.
[0034]
In the refrigerator 1 having the above-described configuration, when the second refrigeration cycle is operated by driving the compressor 20, cooling by the cooler 21 is performed, and the blower 22 is driven. Thereby, the air in the freezer compartment 13 is sucked into the cool air passage 23 from the return port 13b. The air is cooled by exchanging heat with the cooler 21, and discharged from the discharge ports 13 a and 13 c to the freezer compartment 13. Thereby, the inside of the freezer compartment 13 is cooled, for example to -20 degreeC.
[0035]
When the blower 26 is driven by the operation of the first refrigeration cycle, the air in the vegetable compartment 12 is sucked into the cold air return passage 28 from the return port 12b. The air is cooled by exchanging heat with the cooler 25, flows through the cold air discharge passage 27, and is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 11 from the discharge ports 42 a and 43 a.
[0036]
The cold air in the refrigerator compartment 11 passes between the shelves 45 and through the front surface of the shelves 45 and is discharged to the front of the vegetable compartment 12 through the communication passage 12a. And the inside of the vegetable compartment 12 is cooled through the lower part from the front surface of the storage container 54, and it is guide | induced to the cool air return channel | path 28 from the return port 12b, and cool air circulates. The cold air discharged from the discharge ports 42a and 43a into the refrigerator compartment 11 is deprived of cold by the food or the like until it flows into the vegetable compartment 12. Thereby, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 11 is cooled, for example to 3 degreeC, and the inside of the vegetable compartment 12 is cooled, for example to 5 degreeC.
[0037]
A part of the cold air sent from the blower 26 is immediately branched and discharged to the ice greenhouse 14 through the ice temperature duct 60 from the discharge port 60a. Thereby, the temperature in the ice greenhouse 14 can be maintained at, for example, -1 ° C. The room temperature may be adjusted by varying the amount of cold air discharged into the ice greenhouse 14 according to the stored items stored in the ice greenhouse 14.
[0038]
For example, if the amount of cold air is made small and the room temperature is set to about 0 ° C., it becomes a chilled room, and if the amount of cold air is further reduced and the room temperature is made about 5 ° C., it becomes a vegetable room. As shown in FIG. 6, the amount of cool air can be changed by opening and closing by a door 60b covering the discharge port 60a. The amount of cold air may be adjusted by changing the cross-sectional area of the ice temperature duct 60, but the user can easily determine the amount of cold air discharged by changing the area of the discharge port 60a. More desirable.
[0039]
The refrigerator of this embodiment can consider the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 12 as one storage room (1st storage room), and the schematic structure becomes as shown in FIG. The temperature of the cold air generated by the cooler 25 is, for example, −20 ° C. The cold air passes through the cold air discharge passage 27 (first cold air discharge passage) in the direction of arrow A1 by the blower 26.
[0040]
At this time, since the member 42 is made of metal, a part of the cold air heat is exchanged with the member 42 so that the temperature of the member 42 becomes, for example, about −5 ° C., and the cold heat is released into the storage chamber 10 like B1. Is done. For this reason, the temperature of the cold air discharged from the discharge ports 42a and 43a (see FIG. 1) through the cold air discharge passage 27 and the ceiling cold air discharge passage 57 in the direction of the arrow A2 is about −10 ° C., for example.
[0041]
Further, cold air is discharged from the discharge port 60a to the ice greenhouse 14 (second storage chamber) in the direction of arrow A4 through the ice temperature duct 60 (second cold air discharge passage). This cold air is also discharged into the storage chamber 10 through the member 42 as shown by the arrow B2 when passing through the ice temperature duct 60. The cool air discharged into the storage chamber 10 and the discharged cold heat exchange heat with the air in the storage chamber 10, and the inside of the storage chamber 10 (refrigeration chamber 11) is cooled to about 3 ° C., for example.
[0042]
Then, the cool air in the storage chamber 10 flows into the cool air return passage 28 in the direction of the arrow A3 from the return port 12b. At this time, since heat exchange with the cold air in the storage chamber 10 is not completely performed, the temperature of the cold air flowing into the cold air return passage 28 is about −1 ° C., for example.
[0043]
Since the member 42 is provided so as to extend to the front surface of the cold air return passage 28, cold heat due to the cold air flowing into the cold air return passage 28 is released into the storage chamber 10. Therefore, the inside of the storage chamber 10 can be cooled more efficiently and the evaporation temperature of the cooler 25 can be raised. As a result, the operating coefficient of the cooler 25 increases, and the amount of heat absorbed increases with respect to the work amount of the compressor 20 (see FIG. 1), so that energy saving can be achieved. The temperature of each chamber is determined by the evaporating temperature of the cooler 25, the cooling capacity of the cooler 25, the amount of air blown by the blower 26, the volume of each chamber, and the like.
[0044]
As described above, a part of the cold heat caused by the cold air passing through the ice temperature duct 60 is exchanged with the member 42 and discharged into the storage chamber 10. Therefore, even if the amount of cold air that branches from the cooler 25 to the cold air discharge passage 27 and the ice temperature duct 60 and is discharged into the refrigerator compartment 11 decreases, the cold air that passes through the ice temperature duct 60 as well as the cold air discharge passage 27 is reduced. The inside of the refrigerator compartment 11 can also be cooled by the cold heat. As a result, the cooling efficiency can be improved. Moreover, since cold heat is released from the entire surface of the member 42, the room can be uniformly cooled.
[0045]
In addition, it is not restricted to this embodiment, It can replace with the member 42 which consists of metals, and can obtain the effect similar to the above by providing the member which transmits cold heat | fever and discharge | releases. For example, the member 42 may be a material having higher thermal conductivity than the inner box 2b made of a resin molded product constituting the inner wall of the refrigerator compartment 11 or the cold air passage 29, such as a resin material impregnated with a ceramic material or a metal filler. May be used. Moreover, when the thickness of the member 42 is thick, the cold storage capacity increases and the strength also increases. If the thickness is small, the efficiency of releasing cold heat is improved, which is advantageous for weight reduction. Therefore, a thin plate material or a thick plate material may be selected and provided at an appropriate place according to the purpose.
[0046]
An uneven shape may be formed on the surface of the member 42 by pressing or the like. If it does in this way, the surface area of the member 42 can be increased, the amount to cool and the amount of cold heat release will increase, and more uniform cooling can be performed. The strength of the member 42 can be improved by forming the uneven shape into a linearly continuous shape.
[0047]
Further, the member 42 may be a cold storage member in which a jelly-like or liquid cold insulating material 42c as shown in FIG. 5 is enclosed by packaging materials 42f and 42g such as metal. If it does in this way, the member 42 will be cold-stored more with the cold of the cold air which distribute | circulates the inside of the cold passage 29, and it discharge | releases as cold according to the temperature distribution in the refrigerator compartment 11. FIG. Therefore, the refrigerator compartment 11 is cooled uniformly.
[0048]
Further, the cool storage member can absorb heat and dissipate heat while the compressor 20 is stopped or the cold air temperature in the cold air passage 29 varies, so that the cold air temperature in the cold air passage 29 can be kept constant. And the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 can be stably maintained uniformly at a constant temperature.
[0049]
In FIG. 7, the cooler 25 is disposed above the refrigerating chamber 11, so that the path until the cool air generated by the cooler 25 is discharged into the refrigerating chamber 11 is shortened. Therefore, the discharge | release of the cold heat by the heat exchange with the exterior of the refrigerator 1 is reduced, and cooling efficiency improves.
[0050]
Furthermore, since the ice greenhouse 14 is arranged below the cooler 25, the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 and the vegetable compartment 12 (see FIG. 1) becomes a predetermined temperature, and the fan 26 and the first refrigeration cycle are operated. When stopped, the low temperature cold air around the cooler 25 has a high specific gravity and flows down in the ice temperature duct 60a. Then, low-temperature cold air flows into the ice greenhouse 14 through the discharge port 60a. Therefore, even if the operation of the first refrigeration cycle is stopped, the temperature increase of the ice greenhouse 14 can be suppressed and the ice greenhouse 14 can be easily maintained at a low temperature.
[0051]
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a cross section different from that of FIG. The cold air return passage 28 provided at the approximate center in the left-right direction of the storage chamber 10 is provided with an opening 28 a facing the ice greenhouse 14. For this reason, similarly to the above, when the operation of the blower 26 and the first refrigeration cycle is stopped, the low-temperature cold air around the cooler 25 flows down in the cold air return passage 28 because of its high specific gravity. Then, low-temperature cold air flows into the ice greenhouse 14 through the opening 28a as indicated by an arrow A5. Therefore, the ice greenhouse 14 can be maintained at a low temperature more easily.
[0052]
Further, since the surface of the cold air return passage 28 on the storage chamber 10 side is formed by the member 42, the cold heat caused by the cold air flowing down the cold air return passage 28 as shown by the arrow A6 is released into the storage chamber 10 through the member 42. (B3). Thereby, the temperature rise in the storage chamber 10 can be suppressed.
[0053]
As described above, in FIG. 2, the water supply tank 66 is disposed at the left end of the refrigerator compartment 11, and the ice temperature duct 60 is disposed at the right end of the refrigerator compartment 11. Accordingly, the ice temperature duct 60 and the water supply tank 66 are arranged at a distance from each other, and freezing of the water stored in the water supply tank 66 due to low-temperature cold air passing through the ice temperature duct 60 can be prevented. At this time, since the cold air return passage 28 through which the heated cold air passes is arranged between the ice temperature duct 60 and the water supply tank 66, the water stored in the water supply tank 66 is not frozen.
[0054]
Further, since the cold air return passage 28 is provided between the ice temperature duct 60 and the water supply tank 66 and the ice temperature duct 60 and the cold air return passage 28 are adjacent to each other, the member 42 disposed on the front surface of the ice temperature duct 60 and the cold air are arranged. The member 42 arranged in front of the return passage 28 can be made common, and the number of parts can be reduced.
[0055]
Next, FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing the refrigerator of the second embodiment. The same parts as those in the first embodiment of FIG. 7 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals. The difference from the first embodiment is that the heat insulating material 68 is provided on the surface of the member 42 on the cold air passage 29 and the ice temperature duct 60 side. This is the point. Other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.
[0056]
According to the present embodiment, when the difference between the temperature of the cold air passing through the cold air discharge passage 27 and the ice temperature duct 60 and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment 11 is large, the heat insulating material 68 prevents condensation that occurs on the surface of the member 42. Can do. Further, although the amount of cold heat released from the ice temperature duct 60 into the storage chamber 10 is reduced, the ice greenhouse 14 can be easily maintained at a low temperature by suppressing the temperature rise of the cold air. The heat insulating material 68 may be provided in any one of the cold air discharge passage 27 and the ice temperature duct 60.
[0057]
In the present invention, in the case where the member 42 is integrally formed on the cold air discharge passage side and the ice temperature duct side, the member 42 may be divided and disposed only at a necessary portion. Even if it does in this way, the effect similar to the above can be acquired in the part by which the member 42 was distribute | arranged.
[0058]
Moreover, although the evaporator is used as the coolers 21 and 25, the same effect can be acquired even if it uses the cooler by a Peltier system or another cooling system. In addition, the coolers 21 and 25 can obtain the same effect even when a series refrigeration cycle is used, and the same effect can be obtained even when both the freezer compartment and the refrigerator compartment are cooled by one cooler. Can be obtained.
[0059]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, even if the cool air generated by the cooler branches into the first and second cool air discharge passages and the amount of cool air discharged into the first storage chamber is reduced, the cool air passing through the first cool air discharge passage is reduced. The cooling heat can be discharged into the first storage chamber by the member to cool the first storage chamber, so that the cooling efficiency can be improved and the cooling heat is released from the entire surface of the member through the member. Uniform cooling is possible. Furthermore, since the cold of the cold air passing through the second cold air discharge passage can be discharged into the first storage chamber by the member to cool the first storage chamber, the cooling efficiency can be further improved.
[0060]
Further, according to the present invention, the first storage can be easily performed by forming the member with a material having a higher thermal conductivity than the material of the first storage chamber and the other portions forming the wall surfaces of the first and second cold air discharge passages. Cold heat can be released into the room.
[0061]
According to the present invention, since the cooler is arranged above the first storage chamber, the path until the cool air generated by the cooler is discharged into the first storage chamber is shortened. Therefore, the release of cold heat due to heat exchange with the outside is reduced, and the cooling efficiency is improved. Further, since the second storage chamber is arranged below the cooler, even if the cool air circulation means is stopped, the low temperature cool air around the cooler has a high specific gravity, so it flows down in the second cool air discharge passage. It flows into the second storage chamber. Therefore, the temperature rise of the second storage chamber can be suppressed and the low temperature can be easily maintained.
[0062]
Further, according to the present invention, the water supply tank is disposed at one end of the first storage chamber, and the second cold air discharge passage is disposed at the other end of the first storage chamber, so that the low temperature cold air passing through the second cold air discharge passage is used. Freezing of the stored water in the water supply tank can be prevented. At this time, since the cold air return passage through which the raised cold air passes is arranged between the second cold air discharge passage and the water supply tank, the water stored in the water supply tank is not frozen.
[0063]
Further, since the cold air return passage is provided between the second cold air discharge passage and the water supply tank, a member disposed on the front surface of the second cold air discharge passage and a member disposed on the front surface of the cold air return passage are provided. It can be made common and the number of parts can be reduced.
[0064]
Further, according to the present invention, since the cold air return passage is provided with the opening facing the second storage chamber, the low temperature cold air around the cooler has a high specific gravity even if the cold air circulation means is stopped. It flows down in the return passage and flows into the second storage chamber. Therefore, the temperature rise of the second storage chamber can be suppressed and the low temperature can be easily maintained.
[0065]
Further, according to the present invention, since the cross-sectional area of the second cold air discharge passage or the opening area of the discharge port can be changed, the amount of cold air discharged into the second storage chamber can be easily changed to thereby change the second storage chamber. The room temperature can be adjusted according to the stored product.
[0066]
Further, according to the present invention, since the heat insulating material is arranged on the side of the second cold air discharge passage facing the member, the difference between the temperature of the cold air passing through the second cold air discharge passage and the temperature in the first storage chamber is large. In this case, it is possible to prevent dew condensation occurring on the surface of the member. In addition, although the amount of cold heat released from the second cold air discharge passage into the first storage chamber is reduced, the second storage chamber can be easily maintained at a low temperature by suppressing the temperature rise of the cold air.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing a refrigerator according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram showing a cooling cycle of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing members of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another configuration of members of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a schematic front view illustrating the operation of the discharge port of the ice temperature duct of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing one side cross-section of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another cross-sectional side view of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a refrigerator according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2a Outer box 2b Inner box 3, 4, 5, 6 Heat insulation door 11 Refrigeration room 12 Vegetable room 13 Freezer room 14 Ice greenhouse 20 Compressor 21, 25 Cooler 22, 26 Blower 23, 29 Cold air passage 27 Cold air discharge passage 28 Cold air return passage 42 Member 51 Lighting lamps 54, 55, 56 Storage container 57 Ceiling cold air discharge passage 58 Electronic circuit 60 Ice temperature duct 61, 62 Defrost heater 68 Heat insulating material 71 Condensers 72, 73, 74 Capillary tubes 75, 76 Temperature sensor 77 Cooling fan 78 On-off valve 79 Three-way valve

Claims

First and second storage chambers for storing stored items;
A cooler for generating cold air for cooling the first and second storage chambers, and a blower for sending the cold air generated by the cooler to the first and second storage chambers;
First and second cold air discharge passages for guiding the cold air to the first and second storage chambers, respectively;
The cooler is disposed at a position facing the first storage chamber above the first storage chamber, a second storage chamber is disposed below the first storage chamber, and the cool air from the first storage chamber is supplied to the cooler. Provide a cool air return passage to return,
A partition wall is formed between the first and second cold air discharge passages, the cold air return passage and the first storage chamber, and the first and second cold air discharge passages and the cold air flowing through the cold air return passage are transmitted to transmit the cold heat. includes a section member to release the first storage chamber,
The first storage room is provided with a refrigeration room,
A heat insulating material is disposed on a side of the first and second cold air discharge passages facing the member;
The member is made of a material having a high thermal conductivity,
The refrigerator , wherein the blower is located behind the heat insulating material .

The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the member is divided at a predetermined location.

The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the second storage room is composed of an isolation room arranged in the first storage room.

Furthermore, a freezing room is provided below the first storage room,
The cooler for generating cold air for cooling the first and second storage chambers is different from the cooler for generating cold air for cooling the freezing chamber. -The refrigerator in any one of Claim 3 .

The member of claim 1 to claim 4, characterized in that it consists of a material the thermal conductivity greater than the material of the other part forming the first storage chamber and the first wall surface of the second cold air discharge passage The refrigerator in any one.

A water supply tank for making ice is provided at one end of the first storage chamber in the left-right direction, a second cold air discharge passage is disposed at the other end, and the cold air return passage is disposed at the center. The refrigerator in any one of Claims 1-5 .

The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an opening facing the second storage chamber is provided in the course of the cold air return passage.

The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , wherein the sectional area of the second cold air discharge passage or the opening area of the discharge port of the second cold air discharge passage can be varied.