JP4364132B2

JP4364132B2 - refrigerator

Info

Publication number: JP4364132B2
Application number: JP2005020586A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 紘平小野
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2005-01-28
Filing date: 2005-01-28
Publication date: 2009-11-11
Anticipated expiration: 2025-01-28
Also published as: JP2006207926A

Description

本発明は、断熱隔離されるとともに冷気の経路が並列な第１、第２貯蔵室を有した冷蔵庫に関する。 The present invention relates to a refrigerator having first and second storage chambers that are insulated and isolated and in which a path of cold air is parallel.

従来の冷蔵庫は特許文献１に開示される。この冷蔵庫は、使用者の用途に応じて冷凍、冷蔵、パーシャル、チルド等の所望の温度帯に室内温度を切り替える温度切替室を有している。温度切替室は冷凍室と断熱隔離され、冷気を生成する蒸発器に接続された冷気経路が冷凍室と並列になっている。圧縮機の駆動により蒸発器で生成された冷気は送風機の運転によって温度切替室及び冷凍室に送出される。これにより、温度切替室及び冷凍室内が冷却される。 A conventional refrigerator is disclosed in Patent Document 1. This refrigerator has a temperature switching chamber that switches the room temperature to a desired temperature zone such as freezing, refrigeration, partial, chilled, etc. according to the user's application. The temperature switching chamber is insulated from the freezer compartment, and a cold air path connected to an evaporator for generating cold air is in parallel with the freezer compartment. The cold air generated in the evaporator by driving the compressor is sent to the temperature switching chamber and the freezer compartment by the operation of the blower. Thereby, the temperature switching chamber and the freezing chamber are cooled.

温度切替室に高温の貯蔵物を貯蔵した際には、粗熱取りモードを選択することができる。粗熱取りモードは風量及び圧縮機の回転数を大きくして冷気を温度切替室内に送出し、温度切替室内を急速に冷却することができる。これにより、プリン、ゼリー、ハンバーグのタネ等を急速冷却して調理時間を短縮することができる。
特開２００２−２２３３５号公報（第４頁−第９頁、第１図） When a high-temperature store is stored in the temperature switching chamber, the coarse heat removal mode can be selected. In the coarse heat removal mode, the air volume and the number of rotations of the compressor are increased, and cool air is sent into the temperature switching chamber, so that the temperature switching chamber can be rapidly cooled. Thereby, pudding, jelly, a hamburger seed, etc. can be rapidly cooled and cooking time can be shortened.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-22335 (pages 4-9, FIG. 1)

しかしながら、上記特許文献に開示された冷蔵庫によると、高温の貯蔵物を温度切替室に貯蔵した際に温度切替室から高温の空気が流出して蒸発器の負担が大きくなる問題がある。また、冷凍室と温度切替室とが並列に配されるため冷却不足の冷気が冷凍室に流入して冷凍室内の貯蔵物を損傷する問題もある。 However, according to the refrigerator disclosed in the above-mentioned patent document, there is a problem that high temperature air flows out from the temperature switching chamber when a high-temperature stored item is stored in the temperature switching chamber, increasing the burden on the evaporator. In addition, since the freezing room and the temperature switching room are arranged in parallel, there is a problem that cold air that is insufficiently cooled flows into the freezing room and damages the stored items in the freezing room.

本発明は、蒸発器の負担を軽減するとともに貯蔵物の損傷を防止できる冷蔵庫を提供することを目的とする。 An object of the present invention is to provide a refrigerator that can reduce the burden on the evaporator and prevent damage to stored items.

上記目的を達成するために本発明の冷蔵庫は、断熱隔離された第１、第２貯蔵室を有し、蒸発器で生成した冷気が並列に配された第１、第２貯蔵室に分岐して流入し、第１、第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気が合流して前記蒸発器に戻る冷蔵庫において、第２貯蔵室内の上部に流入口を介して流入する空気の温度を検知する上部温度検知手段を前記流入口の近傍に設けるとともに、第２貯蔵室内の下部から流出口を介して流出する空気の温度を検知する下部温度検知手段を前記流出口の近傍に設け、前記蒸発器と第１貯蔵室との冷気経路を開いて第１貯蔵室を冷却するとともに前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を閉じて第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気を第２貯蔵室に戻す循環運転後に、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を開く粗熱取りモードを備え、前記上部温度検知手段及び前記下部温度検知手段の少なくとも一方の検知温度が所定温度以下になった場合に前記循環運転を終了することを特徴としている。 In order to achieve the above object, a refrigerator according to the present invention has first and second storage chambers that are insulated from heat and branch into first and second storage chambers in which cold air generated by an evaporator is arranged in parallel. In the refrigerator in which the cold air flowing in and flowing out from the first and second storage chambers merges and returns to the evaporator, the upper temperature detection detects the temperature of the air flowing into the upper portion of the second storage chamber through the inlet Means is provided in the vicinity of the inflow port, and lower temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the air flowing out from the lower part of the second storage chamber through the outflow port is provided in the vicinity of the outflow port . After a circulation operation in which the cool air path with the storage chamber is opened to cool the first storage chamber and the cool air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is closed to return the cool air flowing out from the second storage chamber to the second storage chamber. The coarse heat removal mode opens the cooling air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber. Wherein at least one of the detected temperature of the upper temperature sensing means and the lower temperature sensing means is characterized by terminating the circulation operation when equal to or less than a predetermined temperature.

この構成によると、蒸発器により生成された冷気は第１、第２貯蔵室を流通して第１、第２貯蔵室内を冷却する。使用者により粗熱取りモードを選択すると、蒸発器により第１貯蔵室の冷却が継続され、第２貯蔵室と蒸発器との連結を遮断して第２貯蔵室内の空気が循環する循環運転が行われる。所定期間循環運転を行うと第２貯蔵室と蒸発器との連結が開放され、冷気が第１、第２貯蔵室を流通する。これにより、第２貯蔵室に配された高温の貯蔵物の粗熱取りが行われる。循環運転後に第２貯蔵室を通常の冷却条件で冷却してもよく、通常の冷却条件と異なる冷却条件で急速冷却を行ってもよい。 According to this configuration, the cold air generated by the evaporator flows through the first and second storage chambers and cools the first and second storage chambers. When the rough heat removal mode is selected by the user, the cooling operation of the first storage chamber is continued by the evaporator, the circulation operation in which the connection between the second storage chamber and the evaporator is interrupted and the air in the second storage chamber circulates is performed. Done. When the circulation operation is performed for a predetermined period, the connection between the second storage chamber and the evaporator is released, and cold air circulates through the first and second storage chambers. Thereby, the rough heat removal of the high-temperature store thing distribute | arranged to the 2nd storage chamber is performed. After the circulation operation, the second storage chamber may be cooled under normal cooling conditions, or rapid cooling may be performed under cooling conditions different from the normal cooling conditions.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、第２貯蔵室は所望の室内温度に切り替えできる温度切替室から成ることを特徴としている。この構成によると、使用者の選択により冷凍、冷蔵、パーシャル、チルド等の所望の温度帯に第２貯蔵室の室内温度を切り替えることができる。 According to the present invention, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the second storage chamber includes a temperature switching chamber that can be switched to a desired indoor temperature. According to this configuration, the room temperature of the second storage chamber can be switched to a desired temperature zone such as refrigeration, refrigeration, partial, chilled, etc. according to the user's selection.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記循環運転時に第２貯蔵室の冷気を循環させる送風機と、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流入側とを連結する経路を開閉する第１ダンパと、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流出側とを連結する経路を開閉するとともに第２貯蔵室の流入側に冷気を導く第２ダンパとを備えたことを特徴としている。この構成によると、第１、第２ダンパを開くと蒸発器で生成された冷気が第２貯蔵室を流通して蒸発器に戻る。第１、第２ダンパを閉じると蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との連結が遮断され、送風機の駆動により第２貯蔵室から流出した空気が第２貯蔵室に戻って循環する。 In the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the present invention provides a fan that circulates cool air in the second storage chamber during the circulation operation, a first damper that opens and closes a path connecting the evaporator and the inflow side of the second storage chamber, A second damper that opens and closes a path connecting the evaporator and the outflow side of the second storage chamber and guides cool air to the inflow side of the second storage chamber is provided. According to this configuration, when the first and second dampers are opened, the cold air generated by the evaporator flows through the second storage chamber and returns to the evaporator. When the first and second dampers are closed, the connection between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is cut off, and the air that has flowed out of the second storage chamber by driving the blower returns to the second storage chamber and circulates.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記粗熱取りモードが前記循環運転後に前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を常時開いて第２貯蔵室を冷却する急速冷却運転を行うとともに、前記粗熱取りモード終了後、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を開閉して第２貯蔵室を所定の室内温度に維持する冷却モードに移行することを特徴としている。 Further, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, the rough heat removal mode performs a quick cooling operation in which the cold storage path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is always opened after the circulation operation to cool the second storage chamber, and After completion of the rough heat removal mode, the cooling air mode between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is opened and closed to shift to a cooling mode in which the second storage chamber is maintained at a predetermined indoor temperature.

この構成によると、粗熱取りモードが開始されると、第２貯蔵室は循環運転が行われた後、蒸発器との冷気経路を常時開いて急速冷却運転が行われ、貯蔵物を急速冷却する。粗熱取りモードが終了すると第２貯蔵室は冷却モードに移行し、蒸発器との冷気経路を開閉して第２貯蔵室内が一定温度に維持される。 According to this configuration, when the coarse heat removal mode is started, the second storage chamber is circulated, and then the cool air is connected to the evaporator at all times to perform the rapid cooling operation, thereby rapidly cooling the stored material. To do. When the rough heat removal mode is completed, the second storage chamber shifts to the cooling mode, and the second storage chamber is maintained at a constant temperature by opening and closing the cool air passage with the evaporator.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記循環運転の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて前記急速冷却運転の運転時間及び第２貯蔵室の風量が決められることを特徴としている。この構成によると、循環運転中の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化によって貯蔵物の熱容量が演算され、貯蔵物に応じた運転時間、風量で急速冷却運転が行われる。 In the refrigerator configured as described above, the operation time of the rapid cooling operation and the air volume of the second storage chamber are determined based on a change in the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber in the circulation operation. According to this configuration, the heat capacity of the stored item is calculated by the change in the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber during the circulation operation, and the rapid cooling operation is performed with the operation time and the air volume according to the stored item.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記循環運転の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて前記急速冷却運転の運転時間及び圧縮機の回転数が決められることを特徴としている。この構成によると、循環運転中の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化によって貯蔵物の熱容量が演算され、貯蔵物に応じた運転時間、圧縮機の回転数で急速冷却運転が行われる。 According to the present invention, in the refrigerator configured as described above, the operation time of the rapid cooling operation and the rotation speed of the compressor are determined based on a change in the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber in the circulation operation. According to this configuration, the heat capacity of the stored item is calculated by the change in the room temperature of the second storage chamber during the circulation operation, and the rapid cooling operation is performed with the operation time corresponding to the stored item and the rotation speed of the compressor.

また本発明は上記構成の冷蔵庫において、前記急速冷却運転を開始して前記運転時間が経過した際に、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を閉じて第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気を所定期間第２貯蔵室に戻した後、第２貯蔵室の室内温度に応じて前記急速冷却運転を終了することを特徴としている。この構成によると、急速冷却運転を終了する際に第２貯蔵室内の空気を循環させた後に第２貯蔵室の室内温度を検知し、第２貯蔵室の室内温度が所定温度よりも低いときや第２貯蔵室の室内温度の温度変化が所定温度よりも小さいときに急速冷却運転を終了する。 According to the present invention, in the refrigerator having the above-described configuration, when the operation time has elapsed after the rapid cooling operation is started, the cold air flowing out from the second storage chamber is closed by closing the cool air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber. Is returned to the second storage chamber for a predetermined period, and then the rapid cooling operation is terminated according to the room temperature of the second storage chamber. According to this configuration, when the rapid cooling operation is finished, after the air in the second storage chamber is circulated, the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber is detected, and when the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber is lower than a predetermined temperature, The rapid cooling operation is terminated when the temperature change of the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber is smaller than a predetermined temperature.

本発明によると、高温の貯蔵物を第２貯蔵室に貯蔵した際に粗熱取りモードを選択すると第２貯蔵室内の空気が循環されるので、貯蔵物が降温され、第２貯蔵室内が均一な温度になる。このため、貯蔵物から放出される熱による高温の空気の流出を防止することができる。従って、蒸発器の負担を軽減するとともに、第２貯蔵室と並列に配された第１貯蔵室内の貯蔵物の損傷を防止することができる。
また、第２貯蔵室の室内温度に基づいて循環運転を終了するので、高温の空気の流出を確実に防止することができる。
また、第２貯蔵室内の上部に流入口を介して流入する空気の温度を検知する上部温度検知手段と、第２貯蔵室内の下部から流出口を介して流出する空気の温度を検知する第２温度検知手段とにより第２貯蔵室の室内温度を検知したので、室内温度をより正確に検知することができる。 According to the present invention, the air in the second storage chamber is circulated when the coarse heat removal mode is selected when the high temperature storage is stored in the second storage chamber, so that the storage temperature is lowered and the second storage chamber is uniformly distributed. Temperature. For this reason, the outflow of the high temperature air by the heat discharge | released from a store can be prevented. Therefore, the burden on the evaporator can be reduced, and damage to the stored items in the first storage chamber arranged in parallel with the second storage chamber can be prevented.
Moreover, since the circulation operation is terminated based on the room temperature of the second storage chamber, it is possible to reliably prevent the outflow of high-temperature air.
An upper temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the air flowing into the upper part of the second storage chamber via the inlet, and a second of detecting the temperature of the air flowing out from the lower part of the second storage chamber via the outlet . Since the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber is detected by the temperature detecting means, the indoor temperature can be detected more accurately.

また本発明によると、第２貯蔵室が温度切替室から成るので、貯蔵物を冷凍保存や冷蔵保存等の所望の温度で保存することができる。 Further, according to the present invention, since the second storage chamber is composed of the temperature switching chamber, the stored product can be stored at a desired temperature such as frozen storage or refrigeration storage.

また本発明によると、循環運転に第２貯蔵室の冷気を循環させる送風機と、蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流入側とを連結する経路を開閉する第１ダンパと、蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流出側とを連結する経路を開閉するとともに第２貯蔵室の流入側に冷気を導く第２ダンパとを備えたので、循環運転を簡単に実現することができる。 Further, according to the present invention, a blower that circulates cool air in the second storage chamber during the circulation operation, a first damper that opens and closes a path connecting the evaporator and the inflow side of the second storage chamber, the evaporator and the second storage. Since the path connecting the outlet side of the chamber is opened and closed and the second damper for guiding the cold air to the inlet side of the second storage chamber is provided, the circulation operation can be realized easily.

また本発明によると、蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を常時開いた急速冷却運転を行うので、粗熱取りモードにより調理物を急速に冷却して調理時間を短縮することができる。また、急速冷却運転時の風量を大きくした場合は第２貯蔵室から空気が大量に流出するため、循環運転によって多量の高温の空気の流出を防止することができる。従って、急速冷却運転を行う前に循環運転を行うことによって蒸発器の負担軽減及び貯蔵物の損傷防止の効果が大きくなる。 In addition, according to the present invention, since the rapid cooling operation in which the cold air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is always opened is performed, the cooked food can be rapidly cooled in the coarse heat removal mode to shorten the cooking time. Further, when the air volume during the rapid cooling operation is increased, a large amount of air flows out from the second storage chamber, so that a large amount of hot air can be prevented from flowing out by the circulation operation. Therefore, by performing the circulation operation before the rapid cooling operation, the effect of reducing the burden on the evaporator and preventing damage to stored items is increased.

また本発明によると、循環運転時の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて急速冷却運転の運転時間及び第２貯蔵室の風量が決められるので、貯蔵物の熱容量に応じた時間及び風量で貯蔵物を急速冷却することができる。従って、急速冷却運転での冷却不足を防止するとともに、熱容量が小さい貯蔵物が降温後更に急速冷却されることがなく省電力化を図ることができる。 Further, according to the present invention, since the operation time of the rapid cooling operation and the air volume of the second storage room are determined based on the change in the room temperature of the second storage room during the circulation operation, the time and the air volume according to the heat capacity of the stored item. The storage can be quickly cooled. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent insufficient cooling in the rapid cooling operation and to save power without further rapidly cooling the stored material having a small heat capacity after the temperature is lowered.

また本発明によると、循環運転の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて急速冷却運転の運転時間及び圧縮機の回転数が決められるので、貯蔵物の熱容量に応じた時間及び圧縮機の回転数で貯蔵物を急速冷却することができる。従って、急速冷却運転での冷却不足を防止するとともに、熱容量が小さい貯蔵物が降温後更に急速冷却されることがなく省電力化を図ることができる。 Further, according to the present invention, since the operation time of the rapid cooling operation and the rotation speed of the compressor are determined based on the change in the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber in the circulation operation, the time corresponding to the heat capacity of the stored product and the compressor The storage can be rapidly cooled at the number of revolutions. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent insufficient cooling in the rapid cooling operation and to save power without further rapidly cooling the stored material having a small heat capacity after the temperature is lowered.

また本発明によると、急速冷却運転を終了する際に第２貯蔵室内の空気を循環させた後に第２貯蔵室の室内温度を検知し、第２貯蔵室の室内温度に応じて急速冷却運転を終了するので、粗熱取りモードでの冷却不足を確実に防止することができる。 According to the present invention, the air temperature in the second storage chamber is detected after the air in the second storage chamber is circulated when the rapid cooling operation is terminated, and the rapid cooling operation is performed according to the indoor temperature of the second storage chamber. Since the process is completed, insufficient cooling in the coarse heat removal mode can be reliably prevented.

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は一実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す正面図及び右側面図である。冷蔵庫１は、上段に冷蔵室２が配され、中段に温度切替室３及び製氷室４が配される。冷蔵庫１の下段には野菜室５及び冷凍室６が配されている。 Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 and 2 are a front view and a right side view showing a refrigerator according to one embodiment. The refrigerator 1 is provided with a refrigerator compartment 2 in the upper stage, and a temperature switching room 3 and an ice making room 4 in the middle stage. A vegetable room 5 and a freezer room 6 are arranged in the lower stage of the refrigerator 1.

冷蔵室２は観音開きの扉を有し、貯蔵物を冷蔵保存する。温度切替室３は中段左側に設けられ、使用者により室温を切り替えられるようになっている。製氷室４は中段右側に設けられ、製氷を行う。野菜室５は下段左側に設けられ、野菜の貯蔵に適した温度（約８℃）に維持される。冷凍室６は下段右側に設けられ、製氷室４に連通して貯蔵物を冷凍保存する。 The refrigerating room 2 has a double door and stores stored items in a refrigerator. The temperature switching chamber 3 is provided on the left side of the middle stage, and the room temperature can be switched by the user. The ice making chamber 4 is provided on the right side of the middle stage and performs ice making. The vegetable room 5 is provided on the lower left side and is maintained at a temperature suitable for vegetable storage (about 8 ° C.). The freezer compartment 6 is provided on the lower right side and communicates with the ice making compartment 4 to store the stored items in a frozen state.

図３は冷蔵庫１の右側面断面図である。冷凍室６及び製氷室４には貯蔵物を収納する収納ケース１１が設けられる。野菜室５及び温度切替室３にも同様の収納ケース１１が設けられる。冷蔵室２には貯蔵物を載置する複数の収納棚４１が設けられる。冷蔵室２の扉には収納ポケット４２が設けられる。これらにより、冷蔵庫１の使い勝手が向上されている。また、冷蔵室２内の下部にはチルド温度帯（約−３℃）に維持されたチルド室２３が設けられている。 FIG. 3 is a right side sectional view of the refrigerator 1. The freezing compartment 6 and the ice making compartment 4 are provided with a storage case 11 for storing stored items. A similar storage case 11 is also provided in the vegetable room 5 and the temperature switching room 3. The refrigerator compartment 2 is provided with a plurality of storage shelves 41 on which stored items are placed. A storage pocket 42 is provided on the door of the refrigerator compartment 2. Thereby, the usability of the refrigerator 1 is improved. A chilled chamber 23 maintained at a chilled temperature zone (about −3 ° C.) is provided in the lower part of the refrigerator compartment 2.

冷凍室６の背後には冷気通路３１が設けられ、冷気通路３１内には圧縮機３５に接続された蒸発器１７が配される。冷蔵室２の背後には冷気通路３１と連通する冷気通路３２が設けられる。凝縮器、膨張器（いずれも不図示）が接続された圧縮機３５の駆動によりイソブタン等の冷媒が循環して冷凍サイクルが運転される。これにより、冷凍サイクルの低温側となる蒸発器１７との熱交換により冷気が生成される。従って、圧縮機３５及び蒸発器１７は凝縮器及び膨張器とともに冷気を生成する冷却装置を構成する。 A cold air passage 31 is provided behind the freezer compartment 6, and an evaporator 17 connected to the compressor 35 is disposed in the cold air passage 31. A cold air passage 32 communicating with the cold air passage 31 is provided behind the refrigerator compartment 2. A refrigerant such as isobutane is circulated by driving a compressor 35 connected to a condenser and an expander (both not shown) to operate a refrigeration cycle. Thereby, cold air | gas is produced | generated by heat exchange with the evaporator 17 used as the low temperature side of a refrigerating cycle. Therefore, the compressor 35 and the evaporator 17 constitute a cooling device that generates cold air together with the condenser and the expander.

また、冷気通路３１、３２内には送風機１８、２８がそれぞれ配される。詳細を後述するように、蒸発器１７で生成された冷気は送風機１８の駆動により冷気通路３１を介して冷凍室６、製氷室４、チルド室２３及び温度切替室３に供給される。また、送風機２８の駆動により冷気通路３２を介して冷蔵室２及び野菜室５に供給される。 Further, blowers 18 and 28 are arranged in the cold air passages 31 and 32, respectively. As will be described in detail later, the cold air generated by the evaporator 17 is supplied to the freezer compartment 6, the ice making chamber 4, the chilled chamber 23, and the temperature switching chamber 3 through the cold air passage 31 by driving the blower 18. Further, the fan 28 is supplied to the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 through the cold air passage 32.

図４は温度切替室３を示す右側面断面図である。温度切替室３の上下面は断熱壁７、８により冷蔵室２及び野菜室５と断熱隔離されている。また、温度切替室３の側面は図示しない断熱壁により製氷室４及び冷凍室６と断熱隔離されている。温度切替室３の前面は回動式の扉９により開閉可能になっている。温度切替室３の背面は背面板３３により覆われている。 FIG. 4 is a right side sectional view showing the temperature switching chamber 3. The upper and lower surfaces of the temperature switching chamber 3 are insulated from the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 by heat insulation walls 7 and 8. The side surface of the temperature switching chamber 3 is insulated from the ice making chamber 4 and the freezing chamber 6 by a heat insulating wall (not shown). The front surface of the temperature switching chamber 3 can be opened and closed by a rotating door 9. The back surface of the temperature switching chamber 3 is covered with a back plate 33.

背面板３３の上部には温度切替室３に空気が流入する流入口３３ａが設けられ、下部には温度切替室３から空気が流出する流出口３３ｂが設けられる。また、流入口３３ａ及び流出口３３ｂ近傍には空気の温度を検知する温度センサ（第１温度検知手段）２４、１６が設けられる。 An inlet 33a through which air flows into the temperature switching chamber 3 is provided at the upper part of the back plate 33, and an outlet 33b through which air flows out from the temperature switching chamber 3 is provided at the lower part. Further, temperature sensors (first temperature detecting means) 24 and 16 for detecting the temperature of the air are provided in the vicinity of the inlet 33a and the outlet 33b.

背面板３３の後方には、外壁を形成する断熱壁１０との間に導入通風路１２が設けられている。導入通風路１２には温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３（第１ダンパ、図５参照）が設けられ、冷気通路３１に連通して蒸発器１７（図３参照）で発生した冷気を温度切替室３に導く。また、温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３の開閉により蒸発器１７と温度切替室３の流入側との冷気経路が開閉され、開閉量によって導入通風路１２から温度切替室３に流入する風量が調整される。 An introduction ventilation path 12 is provided behind the back plate 33 and the heat insulating wall 10 that forms the outer wall. The introduction ventilation path 12 is provided with a temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 (first damper, see FIG. 5), and cool air generated in the evaporator 17 (see FIG. 3) communicating with the cold air passage 31 is transferred to the temperature switching chamber 3. Lead. The cool air path between the evaporator 17 and the inflow side of the temperature switching chamber 3 is opened and closed by opening and closing the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13, and the amount of air flowing into the temperature switching chamber 3 from the introduction ventilation path 12 is adjusted by the opening and closing amount. .

導入通風路１２内には、温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３と流入口３３ａとの間に送風機１４が設けられている。送風機１４の駆動によって冷気通路３１の冷気が容易に温度切替室３に導かれる。 In the introduction ventilation path 12, a blower 14 is provided between the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 and the inflow port 33a. The cool air in the cool air passage 31 is easily guided to the temperature switching chamber 3 by driving the blower 14.

流出口３３ｂの後方には温度切替室戻りダンパ２０（第２ダンパ）が設けられる。温度切替室戻りダンパ２０は開口部２０ａ、２０ｂを有し、回動により一方を開いて他方を閉じる回動板２０ｃを有している。開口部２０ｂを開くと温度切替室３から流出する空気は戻り通風路１９（図５参照）を介して蒸発器１７に導かれる。 A temperature switching chamber return damper 20 (second damper) is provided behind the outlet 33b. The temperature switching chamber return damper 20 has openings 20a and 20b, and has a rotating plate 20c that opens one side by rotation and closes the other. When the opening 20b is opened, the air flowing out from the temperature switching chamber 3 is guided to the evaporator 17 via the return ventilation path 19 (see FIG. 5).

開口部２０ａを開くと温度切替室３から流出する空気は送風機１４の吸気側に導かれるとともに、温度切替室３の流出側と蒸発器１７との冷気経路が閉じられる。従って、送風機１４を駆動し、開口部２０ｂを閉じて温度切替室戻りダンパ２０を閉じることにより、矢印Ｆに示すように温度切替室３の空気を循環させることができる。尚、送風機１４を温度切替室３内に設けてもよい。 When the opening 20a is opened, the air flowing out from the temperature switching chamber 3 is guided to the intake side of the blower 14, and the cool air path between the outflow side of the temperature switching chamber 3 and the evaporator 17 is closed. Therefore, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 can be circulated as shown by the arrow F by driving the blower 14, closing the opening 20 b and closing the temperature switching chamber return damper 20. Note that the blower 14 may be provided in the temperature switching chamber 3.

温度切替室３の流入口３３ａの背後にはヒータ１５が設けられる。ヒータ１５は熱輻射式のガラス管ヒータから成り、背面板３３を介して放出される輻射熱により温度切替室３を昇温する。送風機１４はヒータ１５の表面に向けて送風するように配置されている。これにより、ヒータ１５の表面温度を下げて安全性を向上させることができる。また、流出口３３ｂには、所定の温度まで高温になるとヒータ１５の通電を遮断する温度ヒューズ３０が設けられる。 A heater 15 is provided behind the inlet 33 a of the temperature switching chamber 3. The heater 15 is formed of a heat radiation type glass tube heater, and raises the temperature of the temperature switching chamber 3 by radiant heat released through the back plate 33. The blower 14 is disposed so as to blow toward the surface of the heater 15. Thereby, the surface temperature of the heater 15 can be lowered and safety can be improved. Further, the outlet 33b is provided with a temperature fuse 30 that cuts off the energization of the heater 15 when the temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.

温度切替室３内には貯蔵物を載置する引出し式の収納ケース１１が配されている。収納ケース１１の底面には温度センサ（第２温度検知手段）３４が設けられる。これにより、収納ケース１１上に載置される貯蔵物の温度を正確に検知することができる。 In the temperature switching chamber 3, a drawer-type storage case 11 on which stored items are placed is arranged. A temperature sensor (second temperature detection means) 34 is provided on the bottom surface of the storage case 11. Thereby, the temperature of the stored item placed on the storage case 11 can be accurately detected.

図５は冷蔵庫１の中段付近の正面断面図を示している。冷凍室６の背後の冷気通路３１は送風機１８の前面上部を開口し、送風機１８によって製氷室４に空気が送出される。製氷室４に連通する冷凍室６の下部には冷凍室ダンパ２２が設けられる。冷凍室６の後方下部には、冷凍室ダンパ２２を介して蒸発器１７に空気を導いて冷気通路３１に戻る戻り通風路２１（図３参照）が設けられている。冷凍室ダンパ２２の開閉により冷凍室６から流出する空気の風量が調整される。 FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of the vicinity of the middle stage of the refrigerator 1. The cool air passage 31 behind the freezer compartment 6 opens at the upper front of the blower 18, and air is sent to the ice making chamber 4 by the blower 18. A freezer compartment damper 22 is provided below the freezer compartment 6 that communicates with the ice making compartment 4. A return ventilation path 21 (see FIG. 3) is provided in the lower rear part of the freezer compartment 6 to guide air to the evaporator 17 via the freezer damper 22 and return to the cool air passage 31. The amount of air flowing out of the freezer compartment 6 is adjusted by opening and closing the freezer compartment damper 22.

冷気通路３１の上部は冷蔵室ダンパ２７を介して冷気通路３２に連通する。また、冷気通路３１は分岐され、チルド室ダンパ２５を介してチルド室２３と連通するとともに、前述のように導入通風路１２（図４参照）に連通する。 The upper part of the cold air passage 31 communicates with the cold air passage 32 via the refrigerator compartment damper 27. Further, the cold air passage 31 is branched and communicates with the chilled chamber 23 via the chilled chamber damper 25 and also communicates with the introduction ventilation path 12 (see FIG. 4) as described above.

冷蔵室２の背面下部には冷蔵室流出口（不図示）が開口し、野菜室５には野菜室流入口（不図示）が設けられる。冷蔵室流出口と野菜室流入口とは温度切替室３の背面を通る通路（不図示）により連結され、冷蔵室２と野菜室５が連通している。 A refrigerator outlet (not shown) is opened at the lower back of the refrigerator compartment 2 and a vegetable compartment inlet (not shown) is provided in the vegetable compartment 5. The refrigerator compartment outlet and the vegetable compartment inlet are connected by a passage (not shown) passing through the back surface of the temperature switching chamber 3 so that the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 communicate with each other.

温度切替室戻りダンパ２０は温度切替室３の左方下部に設けられる。温度切替室３及び野菜室５の背後には、温度切替室戻りダンパ２０から下方に延びて戻り通風路２１（図３参照）に連通する戻り通風路１９が設けられている。前述したように、温度切替室３内の空気は温度切替室戻りダンパ２０の開口部２０ｂ（図４参照）を開くことにより戻り通風路１９、２１を介して蒸発器１７に導かれる。尚、野菜室５の背面には戻り通風路１９に連通する野菜室流出口（不図示）が設けられる。 The temperature switching chamber return damper 20 is provided in the lower left part of the temperature switching chamber 3. Behind the temperature switching chamber 3 and the vegetable chamber 5 is provided a return ventilation path 19 that extends downward from the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 and communicates with the return ventilation path 21 (see FIG. 3). As described above, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 is guided to the evaporator 17 through the return ventilation paths 19 and 21 by opening the opening 20b (see FIG. 4) of the temperature switching chamber return damper 20. A vegetable room outlet (not shown) communicating with the return ventilation path 19 is provided on the back of the vegetable room 5.

図６は冷蔵庫１の冷気の流れを示す冷気回路図である。冷凍室６、冷蔵室２及び温度切替室３はそれぞれ並列に配される。また、製氷室４は冷凍室６と直列に配され、チルド室２３及び野菜室５は冷蔵室２と直列に配される。蒸発器１７で生成された冷気は、送風機１８の駆動により矢印Ａ（図５参照）に示すように冷気通路３１を上昇して製氷室４に送出される。製氷室４に送出された冷気は製氷室４及び冷凍室６を流通し、冷凍室ダンパ２２から流出する。そして、戻り通風路２１を介して蒸発器１７に戻る。これにより、製氷室４及び冷凍室６内が冷却される。 FIG. 6 is a cold air circuit diagram showing the flow of cold air in the refrigerator 1. The freezer compartment 6, the refrigerator compartment 2, and the temperature switching chamber 3 are each arranged in parallel. In addition, the ice making room 4 is arranged in series with the freezing room 6, and the chilled room 23 and the vegetable room 5 are arranged in series with the refrigerating room 2. The cold air generated by the evaporator 17 is sent up to the ice making chamber 4 by raising the cold air passage 31 as shown by an arrow A (see FIG. 5) by driving the blower 18. The cold air sent to the ice making room 4 flows through the ice making room 4 and the freezing room 6 and flows out from the freezing room damper 22. And it returns to the evaporator 17 via the return ventilation path 21. Thereby, the inside of the ice making chamber 4 and the freezer compartment 6 is cooled.

送風機２８の駆動により冷気通路３１の上部で分岐した冷気は冷蔵室ダンパ２７を介して矢印Ｂ（図５参照）に示すように冷気通路３２を流通し、冷蔵室２に送出される。また、矢印Ｃ（図５参照）に示すようにチルド室２３に送出される。これらの冷気は冷蔵室２及びチルド室２３を流通した後、野菜室５に流入する。野菜室５に流入した冷気は野菜室５内を流通して戻り通路１９、２１を介して蒸発器１７に戻る。これにより、冷蔵室２及び野菜室５内が冷却され、設定温度になると冷蔵室ダンパ２７及びチルド室ダンパ２３が閉じられる。 The cold air branched at the top of the cold air passage 31 by driving the blower 28 circulates through the cold air passage 32 as shown by an arrow B (see FIG. 5) via the refrigerating chamber damper 27 and is sent to the refrigerating chamber 2. Moreover, it is sent to the chilled chamber 23 as shown by an arrow C (see FIG. 5). These cold air flows through the refrigerator compartment 2 and the chilled compartment 23 and then flows into the vegetable compartment 5. The cold air flowing into the vegetable compartment 5 flows through the vegetable compartment 5 and returns to the evaporator 17 via the return passages 19 and 21. Thereby, the inside of the refrigerator compartment 2 and the vegetable compartment 5 is cooled, and if it becomes preset temperature, the refrigerator compartment damper 27 and the chilled compartment damper 23 will be closed.

また、送風機１４の駆動により冷気通路３１の上部で分岐した冷気は矢印Ｄ（図５参照）に示すように導入通風路１２を流通し、温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３を介して温度切替室３に流入する。温度切替室３に流入した冷気は温度切替室３内を流通し、温度切替室戻りダンパ２０から流出する。そして、矢印Ｅ（図５参照）に示すように、戻り通風路１９、２１を介して蒸発器１７に戻る。これにより、温度切替室３内が冷却される。 Further, the cold air branched at the upper portion of the cold air passage 31 by driving the blower 14 circulates through the introduction ventilation path 12 as shown by an arrow D (see FIG. 5), and enters the temperature switching chamber 3 via the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13. Inflow. The cold air that has flowed into the temperature switching chamber 3 flows through the temperature switching chamber 3 and flows out of the temperature switching chamber return damper 20. And as shown to the arrow E (refer FIG. 5), it returns to the evaporator 17 via the return ventilation path 19,21. Thereby, the inside of the temperature switching chamber 3 is cooled.

前述のように、温度切替室３は使用者の操作により室内温度を切り替えることができるようになっている。例えば、冷凍（−１５℃）、パーシャル（−８℃）、チルド（−３℃）、冷蔵（３℃）、野菜（８℃）等の各温度帯の冷却モードを使用者による所定の操作により選択できる。これにより、使用者は所望の温度で貯蔵物を冷凍保存または冷蔵保存できる。室内温度の切り替えは温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３を開く量を可変して行うことができる。尚、例えば冷凍の室内温度から冷蔵の室内温度に切り替える際にヒータ１５に通電して昇温してもよい。これにより、迅速に所望の室内温度に切り替えることができる。 As described above, the temperature switching chamber 3 can switch the room temperature by a user's operation. For example, the cooling mode of each temperature zone such as freezing (−15 ° C.), partial (−8 ° C.), chilled (−3 ° C.), refrigerated (3 ° C.), vegetables (8 ° C.), etc., by a predetermined operation by the user You can choose. Thus, the user can store the stored product in a frozen state or a refrigerated state at a desired temperature. The room temperature can be switched by changing the amount of opening of the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13. For example, the heater 15 may be energized to switch the temperature from the freezing room temperature to the refrigerated room temperature. Thereby, it can switch to desired room temperature rapidly.

また、ヒータ１５に通電することにより、温度切替室３の室内温度を貯蔵物を冷凍保存または冷蔵保存する低温側から調理済み加熱食品の一時的な保温や温調理等を行う高温側に切り替えることができる。高温側の室内温度は、主な食中毒菌の発育温度が３０℃〜４５℃であるため、ヒータ容量の公差や温度切替室３内の温度分布等を考慮して５０℃以上にするとよい。これにより、雑菌の繁殖を防止できる。また、冷蔵庫に用いられる一般的な樹脂製部品の耐熱温度が８０℃であるため、高温側の室内温度を８０℃以下にすると安価に実現することができる。 Further, by energizing the heater 15, the room temperature of the temperature switching chamber 3 is switched from the low temperature side where the stored items are stored frozen or refrigerated to the high temperature side where the cooked heated food is temporarily kept warm or cooked. Can do. Since the growth temperature of the main food poisoning bacteria is 30 ° C. to 45 ° C., the indoor temperature on the high temperature side is preferably set to 50 ° C. or more in consideration of the tolerance of the heater capacity, the temperature distribution in the temperature switching chamber 3, and the like. Thereby, propagation of miscellaneous bacteria can be prevented. Moreover, since the heat-resistant temperature of the general resin parts used for a refrigerator is 80 degreeC, when the room temperature of a high temperature side shall be 80 degrees C or less, it can implement | achieve cheaply.

また、食中毒菌を滅菌するためには、例えば腸管出血性大腸菌（病原性大腸菌Ｏ１５７）の場合では７５℃で１分間の加熱が必要である。従って、ヒータ容量の公差と温度切替室３内の温度分布とを考慮して高温側の室内温度を８０℃にするとより望ましい。 In order to sterilize food poisoning bacteria, for example, in the case of enterohemorrhagic E. coli (pathogenic E. coli O157), heating at 75 ° C. for 1 minute is required. Therefore, it is more preferable that the room temperature on the high temperature side is 80 ° C. in consideration of the tolerance of the heater capacity and the temperature distribution in the temperature switching chamber 3.

以下は５５℃での食中毒菌の減菌に関する試験結果である。試験サンプルは初期状態で大腸菌２．４×１０³ＣＦＵ／ｍＬ、黄色ブドウ球菌２．０×１０³ＣＦＵ／ｍＬ、サルモネラ２．１×１０³ＣＦＵ／ｍＬ、腸炎ビブリオ１．５×１０³ＣＦＵ／ｍＬ、セレウス４．０×１０³ＣＦＵ／ｍＬを含んでいる。この試験サンプルを４０分間で３℃から５５℃に加温し、５５℃で３．５時間保温後、８０分間で５５℃から３℃に戻して再度各菌の量を調べた。その結果、いずれの菌も１０ＣＦＵ／ｍＬ以下（検出せず）のレベルまで減少していた。従って、温度切替室３の高温側の設定温度を５５℃としても充分減菌効果がある。 The following are the test results on the sterilization of food poisoning bacteria at 55 ° C. In the initial state, E. coli 2.4 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Staphylococcus aureus 2.0 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Salmonella 2.1 × 10 ³ CFU / mL, Vibrio parahaemolyticus 1.5 × 10 ³ CFU / ML, Cereus 4.0 × 10 ³ CFU / mL. This test sample was heated from 3 ° C. to 55 ° C. over 40 minutes, kept at 55 ° C. for 3.5 hours, then returned from 55 ° C. to 3 ° C. over 80 minutes, and the amount of each bacterium was examined again. As a result, all the bacteria were reduced to a level of 10 CFU / mL or less (not detected). Therefore, even if the set temperature on the high temperature side of the temperature switching chamber 3 is 55 ° C., there is a sufficient sterilization effect.

また、使用者による所定のボタン操作によって温度切替室３に収納した高温の貯蔵物の粗熱取りを行う粗熱取りモードを選択することができる。図７は粗熱取りモードの動作を示すフローチャートである。粗熱取りモードを選択すると、ステップ＃１１で温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３が閉じられ、温度切替室戻りダンパ２０の開口部２０ｂが閉じられる。ステップ＃１２では送風機１４がＯＮされる。これにより、温度切替室３と蒸発器１７との間の冷気経路が閉じられ、温度切替室３内の空気が循環する循環運転が行われる。その結果、温度切替室３内の温度が均一化される。 Moreover, the rough heat removal mode which performs rough heat removal of the high-temperature stored material accommodated in the temperature switching chamber 3 by the predetermined button operation by the user can be selected. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation in the rough heat removal mode. When the rough heat removal mode is selected, the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 is closed in Step # 11, and the opening 20b of the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 is closed. In step # 12, the blower 14 is turned on. As a result, the cool air path between the temperature switching chamber 3 and the evaporator 17 is closed, and a circulation operation in which the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 circulates is performed. As a result, the temperature in the temperature switching chamber 3 is made uniform.

ステップ＃１３では送風機１４の駆動後、所定時間が経過するまで待機する。送風機１４の駆動後所定時間が経過すると、ステップ＃１４で温度センサ１６、２４、３４の検知温度が記憶される。ステップ＃１５では温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になったか否かが判断される。温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になった場合はステップ＃１７に移行する。これにより、貯蔵物が冷却された時に、後述するように温度切替室３と蒸発器１７との間の冷気経路が開かれる。 In step # 13, after the blower 14 is driven, the process waits until a predetermined time elapses. When a predetermined time elapses after the blower 14 is driven, the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 are stored in step # 14. In step # 15, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, 34 has become a predetermined temperature or less. When the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step # 17. Thereby, when the stored item is cooled, a cold air path between the temperature switching chamber 3 and the evaporator 17 is opened as will be described later.

温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になっていない場合は、ステップ＃１６に移行して前回の検知温度との比較により所定の温度差以下になったか否かが判断される。所定の温度差以下になっていない場合はステップ＃１３に戻り、ステップ＃１３〜＃１６が繰り返し行われる。尚、ステップ＃１４で最初に温度検知した場合は比較できないためステップ＃１３に戻る。 If the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, 34 is not lower than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step # 16 to determine whether the temperature difference is lower than the predetermined temperature by comparison with the previous detected temperature. To be judged. If it is not less than the predetermined temperature difference, the process returns to step # 13, and steps # 13 to # 16 are repeated. If the temperature is detected for the first time in step # 14, the comparison cannot be made and the process returns to step # 13.

前回の検知温度との比較により所定の温度差以下になった場合はステップ＃１５に移行する。これにより、温度切替室３内の温度が均一化された時に、後述するように温度切替室３と蒸発器１７との間の冷気経路が開かれる。 When the temperature difference is equal to or smaller than the predetermined temperature difference by comparison with the previous detected temperature, the process proceeds to step # 15. As a result, when the temperature in the temperature switching chamber 3 is equalized, a cold air path between the temperature switching chamber 3 and the evaporator 17 is opened as will be described later.

ステップ＃１７では急速冷却運転に移行して、急速冷却運転時の送風機１４、１８の風量、圧縮機３５の回転数及び概略の運転時間が設定される。送風機１４、１８の風量、圧縮機３５の回転数及び運転時間は、急速冷却運転後の冷却モードの設定温度及び貯蔵物の熱容量に基づいて演算して設定される。貯蔵物の熱容量はステップ＃１４で記憶した温度センサ１６、２４、３４の検知温度の変化に基づいて演算される。 In step # 17, the process proceeds to the rapid cooling operation, and the air volume of the fans 14 and 18 during the rapid cooling operation, the rotational speed of the compressor 35, and the approximate operation time are set. The air volume of the blowers 14 and 18, the rotational speed of the compressor 35, and the operation time are calculated and set based on the set temperature of the cooling mode after the rapid cooling operation and the heat capacity of the stored item. The heat capacity of the stored item is calculated based on the change in temperature detected by the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 stored in step # 14.

ステップ＃１８では温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３が開かれ、温度切替室戻りダンパ２０の開口部２０ｂが開かれる。これにより、蒸発器１７と温度切替室３との冷気経路が開かれる。ステップ＃１９ではステップ＃１７で設定した急速冷却運転の運転時間が経過したか否かが判断される。急速冷却運転の運転時間が経過した場合はステップ＃２１に移行する。急速冷却運転の運転時間が経過していない場合はステップ＃２０に移行する。 In step # 18, the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 is opened, and the opening 20b of the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 is opened. Thereby, the cool air path between the evaporator 17 and the temperature switching chamber 3 is opened. In step # 19, it is determined whether or not the operation time of the rapid cooling operation set in step # 17 has elapsed. When the operation time of the rapid cooling operation has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 21. If the operation time of the rapid cooling operation has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 20.

ステップ＃２０では温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になったか否かが判断される。温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になっていない場合はステップ＃１９に戻り、急速冷却運転が継続する。温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になった場合はステップ＃２１に移行する。 In step # 20, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 has become equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature. If the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, 34 is not lower than the predetermined temperature, the process returns to step # 19, and the rapid cooling operation is continued. When the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature, the process proceeds to step # 21.

ステップ＃２１では温度切替室吐出ダンパ１３が閉じられ、温度切替室戻りダンパ２０の開口部２０ｂが閉じられる。これにより、温度切替室３内の空気が循環して貯蔵物を含む温度切替室３内の温度が均一化される。ステップ＃２２では所定時間が経過するまで待機する。所定時間が経過するとステップ＃２２に移行する。ステップ＃２２では温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になり、かつ前回の検知温度との温度差が所定温度差以下になったか否かが判断される。 In step # 21, the temperature switching chamber discharge damper 13 is closed, and the opening 20b of the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 is closed. Thereby, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 circulates, and the temperature in the temperature switching chamber 3 containing a store thing is equalized. In step # 22, the process waits until a predetermined time elapses. When the predetermined time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step # 22. In Step # 22, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature and whether the temperature difference from the previous detected temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature difference.

温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度よりも高い場合または前回の検知温度との温度差が所定温度差よりも大きい場合はステップ＃１８に戻る。そして、蒸発器１７と温度切替室３の冷気経路を開いてステップ＃１８〜＃２３が繰り返し行われる。この時、ステップ＃１９で判断する運転時間の計時はリセットされる。尚、最初にステップ＃２３の判断を行う場合は温度差を検知できないためステップ＃１８に戻る。 If the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, 34 is higher than the predetermined temperature, or if the temperature difference from the previous detected temperature is larger than the predetermined temperature difference, the process returns to step # 18. Then, the cool air path between the evaporator 17 and the temperature switching chamber 3 is opened, and steps # 18 to # 23 are repeated. At this time, the counting of the operation time determined in step # 19 is reset. When the determination at step # 23 is first performed, the temperature difference cannot be detected, and the process returns to step # 18.

温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度以下になり、かつ前回の検知温度との温度差が所定温度差以下になった場合は粗熱取りモードを終了する。温度切替室３内の温度を均一化した後に粗熱取りモードの終了を判断するので、温度切替室３が所定温度まで低下したか否かを正確に判別することができる。従って、粗熱取りモードでの調理品の冷却不足を防止して、所望の温度まで急速に冷却することができる。 When the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature and the temperature difference from the previous detected temperature is equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature difference, the rough heat removal mode is terminated. Since the end of the rough heat removal mode is determined after equalizing the temperature in the temperature switching chamber 3, it is possible to accurately determine whether or not the temperature switching chamber 3 has decreased to a predetermined temperature. Therefore, insufficient cooling of the cooked product in the coarse heat removal mode can be prevented, and the product can be rapidly cooled to a desired temperature.

粗熱取りモードが終了すると、予め選択される冷蔵や冷凍等の冷却モードに移行する。この時、温度切替室ダンパ１３及び温度切替室戻りダンパ２０を開閉して、所定の温度に維持される。 When the rough heat removal mode is completed, the mode is shifted to a cooling mode such as refrigeration or freezing selected in advance. At this time, the temperature switching chamber damper 13 and the temperature switching chamber return damper 20 are opened and closed to be maintained at a predetermined temperature.

ステップ＃１５、＃１６及びステップ＃２０、＃２３において、温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれかの検知温度が所定温度または所定温度差になったか否かを判別している。これに対して、温度センサ１６、２４、３４の全ての検知温度が所定温度または所定温度差になったか否かを判別してもよい。即ち、温度切替室３の室内温度が所定温度または所定温度差になったか否かを正確に判別できればよい。また、温度センサ１６、２４、３４のいずれか一つまたは二つのみを設けてもよい。 In steps # 15 and # 16 and steps # 20 and # 23, it is determined whether or not the detected temperature of any of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 has reached a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature difference. On the other hand, it may be determined whether or not all the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 24, and 34 have reached a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature difference. That is, it is only necessary to accurately determine whether or not the room temperature of the temperature switching chamber 3 has reached a predetermined temperature or a predetermined temperature difference. Further, only one or two of the temperature sensors 16, 24, 34 may be provided.

本実施形態において、野菜室５の流出口にダンパを設けてもよい。これにより、温度切替室３を高温側から低温側に切り替えた際に、該ダンパを閉じて温度切替室３からの熱風が野菜室５に逆流することを防止できる。また、温度切替室３を高温側から低温側へ切り替える際に送風機１８が停止されている場合には、冷凍室ダンパ２２が閉じられるようになっている。これにより、送風機１４の駆動によって冷凍室ダンパ２２から冷凍室６内へ熱風が逆流することを防止できる。 In the present embodiment, a damper may be provided at the outlet of the vegetable compartment 5. Thereby, when the temperature switching chamber 3 is switched from the high temperature side to the low temperature side, it is possible to prevent the hot air from the temperature switching chamber 3 from flowing backward into the vegetable chamber 5 by closing the damper. In addition, when the blower 18 is stopped when the temperature switching chamber 3 is switched from the high temperature side to the low temperature side, the freezer compartment damper 22 is closed. Thereby, it is possible to prevent hot air from flowing backward from the freezer damper 22 into the freezer compartment 6 by driving the blower 14.

本実施形態によると、冷蔵室２、冷凍室６、チルド室３、野菜室５（いずれも第１貯蔵室）と、温度切替室３（第２貯蔵室）とは断熱隔離され、冷気回路が並列に構成されるので、他の貯蔵室の冷却を行いながら温度切替室３内の空気を循環させることができる。高温の貯蔵物を温度切替室３に貯蔵した際に粗熱取りモードを選択すると温度切替室３内の空気が循環されるので貯蔵物が降温され、温度切替室３内が均一な温度になる。このため、貯蔵物から放出される熱による高温の空気の流出を防止することができる。従って、蒸発器１７の負担を軽減するとともに、並列に配された冷蔵室２等の第１貯蔵室に冷却不足の冷気が流入しないため第１貯蔵室に貯蔵される貯蔵物の損傷を防止することができる。 According to this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 2, the freezer compartment 6, the chilled compartment 3, the vegetable compartment 5 (all are 1st storage rooms), and the temperature switching room 3 (2nd storage room) are insulated and isolated, and a cold air circuit is provided. Since it is configured in parallel, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 can be circulated while cooling the other storage chambers. When the coarse heat removal mode is selected when the high-temperature stored product is stored in the temperature switching chamber 3, the air in the temperature switching chamber 3 is circulated, so that the stored product is cooled down and the temperature switching chamber 3 has a uniform temperature. . For this reason, the outflow of the high temperature air by the heat discharge | released from a store can be prevented. Accordingly, the burden on the evaporator 17 is reduced and damage to the stored items stored in the first storage chamber is prevented because the undercooled cold air does not flow into the first storage chamber such as the refrigerator compartment 2 arranged in parallel. be able to.

粗熱取りモードを実行できる貯蔵室は温度を切り替えできなくてもよい。即ち、冷気回路が冷蔵室２等と並列で断熱隔離された貯蔵室であれば、冷蔵温度や冷凍温度等に一定に維持される貯蔵室でもよい。尚、粗熱取りモードを実行できる貯蔵室を温度切替室３にすることで、粗熱取りモード終了後に貯蔵物を冷凍保存や冷蔵保存等の所望の温度で保存することができる。 The storage room that can execute the coarse heat removal mode may not be able to switch the temperature. That is, as long as the cold air circuit is a storage room that is insulated and insulated in parallel with the refrigerating room 2 or the like, a storage room that is kept constant at the refrigerating temperature or the freezing temperature may be used. In addition, by making the storage chamber that can execute the rough heat removal mode into the temperature switching chamber 3, the stored item can be stored at a desired temperature such as frozen storage or refrigeration storage after the completion of the rough heat removal mode.

また、粗熱取りモードで循環運転後に蒸発器１７と温度切替室３との冷気経路を常時開いた急速冷却運転を行うので、調理物を急速に冷却して調理時間を短縮することができる。また、より急速に冷却するために急速冷却運転の風量を大きくした場合は温度切替室３から空気が大量に流出する。このため、循環運転を行うことによって多量の高温の空気の流出を防止することができる。従って、急速冷却運転を行う際に循環運転によって蒸発器の負担軽減及び貯蔵物の損傷防止の効果が大きくなる。尚、例えば、加熱調理した食品を冷蔵保存する場合のように貯蔵物を急速に冷却する必要がない場合に、使用者の選択により循環運転後に冷蔵保存等の通常の冷却モードに移行してもよい。 In addition, since the rapid cooling operation in which the cool air path between the evaporator 17 and the temperature switching chamber 3 is always opened after the circulation operation in the rough heat removal mode, the cooked food can be rapidly cooled to shorten the cooking time. Further, when the air volume in the rapid cooling operation is increased in order to cool more rapidly, a large amount of air flows out from the temperature switching chamber 3. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a large amount of hot air from flowing out by performing the circulating operation. Therefore, the effect of reducing the burden on the evaporator and preventing damage to stored items is increased by the circulation operation when the rapid cooling operation is performed. In addition, for example, when it is not necessary to cool the stored items rapidly as in the case of refrigerated storage of cooked food, even if the user selects a normal cooling mode such as refrigerated storage after circulation operation Good.

本発明によると、冷気回路が並列に配される第１、第２貯蔵室を有した冷蔵庫に利用することができる。 According to this invention, it can utilize for the refrigerator which has the 1st, 2nd storage chamber by which a cold air circuit is distribute | arranged in parallel.

本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す正面図The front view which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す右側面図The right view which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫を示す右側面断面図Sectional drawing of right side which shows the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫の温度切替室を示す右側面断面図Cross section of the right side showing the temperature switching chamber of the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫の中段部を示す正面断面図Front sectional drawing which shows the middle step part of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫の冷気の流れを示す冷気回路図Cold air circuit diagram showing the flow of cold air in the refrigerator of the embodiment of the present invention 本発明の実施形態の冷蔵庫の粗熱取りモードの動作を示すフローチャートThe flowchart which shows the operation | movement of the rough heat removal mode of the refrigerator of embodiment of this invention.

符号の説明Explanation of symbols

１冷蔵庫
２冷蔵室
３温度切替室
４製氷室
５野菜室
６冷凍室
９扉
１２導入通風路
１３温度切替室吐出ダンパ
１４、１８、２８送風機
１５ヒータ
１７蒸発器
１６、２４、３４温度センサ
１９、２１戻り通風路
２０温度切替室戻りダンパ
２２冷凍室ダンパ
２５チルド室ダンパ
３０温度ヒューズ
３１、３２冷気通路
３３背面板
３５圧縮機 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Refrigerator 2 Refrigeration room 3 Temperature switching room 4 Ice making room 5 Vegetable room 6 Freezing room 9 Door 12 Introduction ventilation path 13 Temperature switching room discharge damper 14, 18, 28 Blower 15 Heater 17 Evaporator 16, 24, 34 Temperature sensor 19, 21 Return ventilation path 20 Temperature switching chamber return damper 22 Freezing chamber damper 25 Chilled chamber damper 30 Thermal fuse 31, 32 Cold air passage 33 Back plate 35 Compressor

Claims

断熱隔離された第１、第２貯蔵室を有し、蒸発器で生成した冷気が並列に配された第１、第２貯蔵室に分岐して流入し、第１、第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気が合流して前記蒸発器に戻る冷蔵庫において、
第２貯蔵室内の上部に流入口を介して流入する空気の温度を検知する上部温度検知手段を前記流入口の近傍に設けるとともに、第２貯蔵室内の下部から流出口を介して流出する空気の温度を検知する下部温度検知手段を前記流出口の近傍に設け、
前記蒸発器と第１貯蔵室との冷気経路を開いて第１貯蔵室を冷却するとともに前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を閉じて第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気を第２貯蔵室に戻す循環運転後に、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を開く粗熱取りモードを備え、
前記上部温度検知手段及び前記下部温度検知手段の少なくとも一方の検知温度が所定温度以下になった場合に前記循環運転を終了することを特徴とする冷蔵庫。 The first and second storage chambers are insulated and isolated, and the cold air generated by the evaporator branches into the first and second storage chambers arranged in parallel and flows out from the first and second storage chambers. In the refrigerator where the cool air that has joined is returned to the evaporator,
An upper temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of air flowing into the upper part of the second storage chamber via the inlet is provided in the vicinity of the inlet, and air flowing out from the lower part of the second storage chamber via the outlet is provided. A lower temperature detecting means for detecting temperature is provided in the vicinity of the outlet ,
A cold air path between the evaporator and the first storage chamber is opened to cool the first storage chamber, and a cool air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is closed to cool the air that has flowed out of the second storage chamber into the second storage. After the circulation operation to return to the chamber, comprising a rough heat removal mode that opens a cold air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber,
The refrigerator is characterized in that the circulation operation is terminated when a detected temperature of at least one of the upper temperature detecting means and the lower temperature detecting means becomes a predetermined temperature or lower.

第２貯蔵室は所望の室内温度に切り替えできる温度切替室から成ることを特徴とする請求項１に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein the second storage room includes a temperature switching room that can be switched to a desired room temperature.

前記循環運転時に第２貯蔵室の冷気を循環させる送風機と、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流入側とを連結する経路を開閉する第１ダンパと、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室の流出側とを連結する経路を開閉するとともに第２貯蔵室の流入側に冷気を導く第２ダンパとを備えたことを特徴とする請求項１または請求項２に記載の冷蔵庫。 A blower that circulates cool air in the second storage chamber during the circulation operation, a first damper that opens and closes a path connecting the evaporator and the inflow side of the second storage chamber, and an outflow of the evaporator and the second storage chamber The refrigerator according to claim 1, further comprising: a second damper that opens and closes a path connecting the side and guides cool air to an inflow side of the second storage chamber.

前記粗熱取りモードが前記循環運転後に前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を常時開いて第２貯蔵室を冷却する急速冷却運転を行うとともに、前記粗熱取りモード終了後、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を開閉して第２貯蔵室を所定の室内温度に維持する冷却モードに移行することを特徴とする請求項１〜請求項３のいずれかに記載の冷蔵庫。 In the rough heat removal mode, after the circulation operation, a rapid cooling operation is performed in which the cool air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is always opened to cool the second storage chamber, and after the rough heat removal mode is finished, the evaporation The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the refrigerator is switched to a cooling mode in which a cool air path between the container and the second storage chamber is opened and closed to maintain the second storage chamber at a predetermined indoor temperature. .

前記循環運転の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて前記急速冷却運転の運転時間及び第２貯蔵室の風量が決められることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein an operation time of the rapid cooling operation and an air volume of the second storage chamber are determined based on a change in an indoor temperature of the second storage chamber in the circulation operation.

前記循環運転の第２貯蔵室の室内温度の変化に基づいて前記急速冷却運転の運転時間及び圧縮機の回転数が決められることを特徴とする請求項４に記載の冷蔵庫。 The refrigerator according to claim 4, wherein an operation time of the rapid cooling operation and a rotation speed of the compressor are determined based on a change in an indoor temperature of the second storage chamber in the circulation operation.

前記急速冷却運転を開始して前記運転時間が経過した際に、前記蒸発器と第２貯蔵室との冷気経路を閉じて第２貯蔵室から流出した冷気を所定期間第２貯蔵室に戻した後、第２貯蔵室の室内温度に応じて前記急速冷却運転を終了することを特徴とする請求項５または請求項６に記載の冷蔵庫。 When the operation time has elapsed since the start of the rapid cooling operation, the cool air path between the evaporator and the second storage chamber is closed, and the cool air flowing out from the second storage chamber is returned to the second storage chamber for a predetermined period. 7. The refrigerator according to claim 5, wherein the rapid cooling operation is terminated according to the room temperature of the second storage chamber.