JP7717869B2 - refrigerator - Google Patents

Description

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a refrigerator.

Refrigerators have been proposed that include multiple switchable compartments, each of which is a storage compartment that can be switched between a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment. In such refrigerators, when a switchable compartment is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, the damper corresponding to that compartment is closed and liquid refrigerant is supplied to the cooler, and the coolant from the cooler cools the switchable compartment. Furthermore, in such refrigerators, adjacent storage compartments may be set to different temperature zones, so the adjacent storage compartments are insulated from each other. Because each storage compartment is cooled independently, there is no way to shorten the time required to cool each storage compartment (hereinafter referred to as "cooling time") other than by increasing the cooling intensity.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-2998 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-223446 JP 2011-7452 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-90686

The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a refrigerator that can achieve more appropriate cooling.

A refrigerator according to an embodiment includes a first storage compartment, a second storage compartment, a cooling compartment containing a cooler, a first passageway for returning at least a portion of the cold air in the first storage compartment from the first storage compartment to the cooling compartment, a second passageway provided separately from the first passageway for guiding at least a portion of the cold air in the first storage compartment from the first storage compartment to the second storage compartment, an opening/closing device for opening and closing the second passageway, and a control unit for controlling the opening/closing device . The first storage compartment has a set temperature range that can be switched between a refrigeration temperature range and a freezer temperature range. The control unit controls the opening/closing device to open the second passageway when a predetermined condition is satisfied, including the set temperature range of the first storage compartment being the same as the temperature range to which the second storage compartment is cooled, either the refrigeration temperature range or the freezer temperature range.

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to a first embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a refrigeration cycle device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of the refrigerator according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a specific example of special cooling control in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a front view showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration example of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing changes in thermal conductivity between a switching compartment and an adjacent compartment in a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a specific example of a functional configuration of a refrigerator according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a specific example of special cooling control in the second embodiment.

The refrigerator embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Refrigerators according to embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, components having the same or similar functions will be assigned the same reference numerals. Duplicate descriptions of these components may be omitted. In this specification, left and right are defined based on the direction from which a user standing in front of the refrigerator views the refrigerator. Additionally, the side closer to the user standing in front of the refrigerator is defined as the "front," and the side furthest from the user's perspective is defined as the "rear."

In this specification, "based on XX" means "based on at least XX," and includes cases where it is based on other elements in addition to XX. Furthermore, "based on XX" is not limited to cases where XX is used directly, but also includes cases where XX has been calculated or processed. In this specification, "YY1 or YY2" is not limited to cases where only "YY1" or only "YY2" is present, but also includes cases where both "YY1" and "YY2" are present. This also applies when there are three or more elements connected by "or." In this specification, "at least one of ZZ1 and ZZ2" is not limited to cases where both "ZZ1" and "ZZ2" are present as prerequisites, but also includes cases where only "ZZ1" or only "ZZ2" is present. "XX," "YY1," "YY2," "ZZ1," and "ZZ2" each represent any element (e.g., any information, function, or configuration).

In this specification, "opening (or closing) the damper when a predetermined condition is met" does not necessarily mean opening (or closing) the damper the instant the predetermined condition is met, but also includes opening (or closing) the damper at any time while the predetermined condition is met.

In addition, in this specification, "closing damper A and opening damper B" is not limited to cases where damper A is closed at the same time as damper B is opened, but also includes cases where damper A is closed and then damper B is opened, or damper A is closed after damper B is opened. "Damper A" and "damper B" refer to any of the first damper 71 and second damper 72 described below, for example.

(First embodiment)
[1. Overall configuration of the refrigerator]
Fig. 1 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of a refrigerator 1 according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the refrigerator 1 taken along line F2-F2 in Fig. 1. As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a housing 10, a plurality of doors 20, a plurality of shelves 30, a plurality of containers 40, a flow path forming component 50, a cooling unit 60, and a control board 100.

The housing 10 has an upper wall 11, a lower wall 12, left and right side walls 13 and 14, and a rear wall 15. The upper wall 11 and the lower wall 12 extend substantially horizontally. The left and right side walls 13 and 14 rise upward from the left and right ends of the lower wall 12 and are connected to the left and right ends of the upper wall 11. The rear wall 15 rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 12 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 11.

The housing 10 has, for example, an inner box 10a, an outer box 10b, and an insulating section 10c (see Figure 2). The inner box 10a is a member that forms the inner surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is a member that forms the outer surface of the housing 10. The outer box 10b is formed to be slightly larger than the inner box 10a and is positioned outside the inner box 10a. The insulating section 10c, which includes a foam insulating material such as urethane foam, is provided between the inner box 10a and the outer box 10b.

The housing 10 is provided with multiple storage compartments 17, a first cooling compartment 18A, and a second cooling compartment 18B. The multiple storage compartments 17 include, for example, a refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice-making compartment 17B, a small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching compartment 17D, and a second switching compartment 17E. In this embodiment, the refrigerator compartment 17A is located at the top, the first switching compartment 17D is located below the refrigerator compartment 17A, the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C are located below the first switching compartment 17D, and the second switching compartment 17E is located below the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C. However, the arrangement of the storage compartments 17 is not limited to the above example. The housing 10 has an opening on the front side of each storage compartment 17 to allow food to be placed in and removed from each storage compartment 17.

The first and second switchable compartments 17D and 17E can be independently switched between a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment, for example. A refrigerated temperature zone compartment is, for example, a storage compartment in which the center temperature of the set temperature zone, described below, is between -3°C and +7°C. A refrigerated temperature zone compartment is, for example, a refrigerator compartment, chilled compartment, or vegetable compartment. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, each of the first and second switchable compartments 17D and 17E can be switched between a refrigerator compartment, chilled compartment, and vegetable compartment by switching the set temperature zone. This will be described in more detail below. On the other hand, a freezer temperature zone compartment is, for example, a storage compartment in which the center temperature of the set temperature zone is -10°C or below (e.g., -18°C or below). A freezer temperature zone compartment is, for example, a freezer compartment.

The first cooling compartment 18A is a space located behind the refrigerator compartment 17A. The first cooling compartment 18A houses the first cooler 81 and first fan 82, which will be described later. The second cooling compartment 18B is a space located behind the ice-making compartment 17B, the small freezer compartment 17C, the first switching compartment 17D, and the second switching compartment 17E. The second cooling compartment 18B houses the second cooler 83 and second fan 84, which will be described later. The first cooling compartment 18A and the second cooling compartment 18B will be described in more detail below.

The housing 10 has a first partition 19A, a second partition 19B, and a third partition 19C. The first partition 19A, the second partition 19B, and the third partition 19C are, for example, partition walls that extend approximately horizontally. The first partition 19A is located between the refrigerator compartment 17A and the first switchable compartment 17D, and separates the refrigerator compartment 17A from the first switchable compartment 17D. The second partition 19B is located between the first switchable compartment 17D and the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C, and separates the first switchable compartment 17D from the ice-making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C. The third partition 19C is located between the ice making compartment 17B and small freezer compartment 17C and the second switching compartment 17E, and separates the ice making compartment 17B and small freezer compartment 17C from the second switching compartment 17E. Each of the first partition 19A, second partition 19B, and third partition 19C contains, for example, foam insulation material and has thermal insulation properties.

The openings of the multiple storage compartments 17 are closably closed by multiple doors 20. The multiple doors 20 include, for example, left and right refrigerator compartment doors 20Aa and 20Ab that close the opening of refrigerator compartment 17A, ice-making compartment door 20B that closes the opening of ice-making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment door 20C that closes the opening of small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment door 20D that closes the opening of first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment door 20E that closes the opening of second switching compartment 17E.

A plurality of shelves 30 are provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A.
The storage device includes a plurality of containers 40, a chilled compartment container 40A provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A, an ice-making compartment container (not shown) provided in the ice-making compartment 17B, a small freezer compartment container 40C provided in the small freezer compartment 17C, a first switching compartment container 40Da and a second switching compartment container 40Db provided in the first switching compartment 17D, and a third switching compartment container 40Ea and a fourth switching compartment container 40Eb provided in the second switching compartment 17E.

The flow path forming component 50 is disposed within the housing 10. The flow path forming component 50 includes a first duct component (first cooler cover) 51 and a second duct component (second cooler cover) 52.

The first duct part 51 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The first duct part 51 extends, for example, from behind the lower end of the refrigerator compartment 17A to behind the upper end of the refrigerator compartment 17A. A first cooling compartment 18A is formed between the first duct part 51 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The first duct part 51 has a cold air outlet 51a and a cold air return port 51b. The cold air outlet 51a opens into the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air (air) flowing through the first cooling compartment 18A is blown out from the cold air outlet 51a into the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air return port 51b opens, for example, at the lower end of the refrigerator compartment 17A. The cold air that has passed through the refrigerator compartment 17A returns to the first cooling compartment 18A through the cold air return port 51b.

The second duct part 52 is provided along the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 and extends vertically. The second duct part 52 extends, for example, from the rear of the first switching chamber 17D to the rear of the second switching chamber 17E. A second cooling chamber 18B is formed between the second duct part 52 and the rear wall 15 of the housing 10. The second duct part 52 has multiple cold air outlets 52a and multiple cold air return ports 52b (see Figure 2). The multiple cold air outlets 52a include a first cold air outlet 52aa opening into the first switching chamber 17D, a second cold air outlet 52ab opening into the second switching chamber 17E, and a third cold air outlet 52ac opening into the ice making chamber 17B or the small freezer chamber 17C. The multiple cold air return ports 52b include a first cold air return port 52ba (see Figure 2) that opens into the first switching compartment 17D, a second cold air return port 52bb (see Figure 2) that opens into the second switching compartment 17E, and a third cold air return port 52bc (see Figure 2) that opens into the ice making compartment 17B or the small freezer compartment 17C.

When the first damper 71 described below is opened, the cold air (air) flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the first cold air outlet 52aa into the first switching chamber 17D. The cold air blown out into the first switching chamber 17D returns to the second cooling chamber 18B through the first cold air return port 52ba. For example, when the second damper 72 described below is opened, the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the second cold air outlet 52ab into the second switching chamber 17E. The cold air blown out into the second switching chamber 17E returns to the second cooling chamber 18B through the second cold air return port 52bb. When the third damper 73 described below is opened, the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B is blown out from the third cold air outlet 52ac into the ice making chamber 17B and the small freezer chamber 17C. The cold air blown into the ice-making compartment 17B and small freezer compartment 17C returns to the second cooling compartment 18B through the third cold air return port 52bc and a cold air flow path (not shown).

When the first adjustment damper 211 (described below) is opened, the cold air in the first switching chamber 17D and the cold air in the ice making chamber 17B can move back and forth between the first switching chamber 17D and the ice making chamber 17B via the first communication part 210. When the second adjustment damper 221 (described below) is opened, the cold air in the first switching chamber 17D and the cold air in the small freezer chamber 17C can move back and forth between the first switching chamber 17D and the small freezer chamber 17C via the second communication part 220.

When the third adjustment damper 231 (described below) is opened, the cold air in the second switching chamber 17E and the cold air in the ice making chamber 17B can move back and forth between the second switching chamber 17E and the ice making chamber 17B via the third communication part 230. When the fourth adjustment damper 241 (described below) is opened, the cold air in the second switching chamber 17E and the cold air in the small freezer chamber 17C can move back and forth between the second switching chamber 17E and the small freezer chamber 17C via the fourth communication part 240.

The cooling unit 60 cools multiple storage compartments 17 (refrigeration compartment 17A, ice-making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E). The cooling unit 60 includes, for example, a first cooling module 61, a second cooling module 62, first to third dampers 71, 72, and 73, a compressor 75, and a refrigeration cycle device 76 (see Figure 3).

The first cooling module 61 includes, for example, a first cooler (first evaporator) 81 and a first fan 82. The first cooler 81 and the first fan 82 are arranged in the first cooling compartment 18A. The first cooler 81 is supplied with liquid refrigerant by the refrigeration cycle device 76 (described below), and cools the cold air flowing through the first cooling compartment 18A using the heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the first fan 82 is driven, the cold air from the refrigerator compartment 17A flows into the first cooling compartment 18A through the cold air return port 51b. The cold air that flows into the first cooling compartment 18A is cooled by the first cooler 81. The cold air cooled by the first cooler 81 is blown out into the refrigerator compartment 17A through the cold air outlet 51a. This causes the cold air flowing through the refrigerator compartment 17A to circulate within the refrigerator 1, cooling the refrigerator compartment 17A.

The second cooling module 62 includes, for example, a second cooler (second evaporator) 83 and a second fan 84. The second cooler 83 and the second fan 84 are arranged in the second cooling chamber 18B. The second cooler 83 is supplied with liquid refrigerant by the refrigeration cycle device 76 described below, and cools the cold air flowing through the second cooling chamber 18B using the heat of vaporization of the liquid refrigerant. When the second fan 84 is driven, cold air from the ice-making chamber 17B, small freezer chamber 17C, first switching chamber 17D, or second switching chamber 17E flows into the second cooling chamber 18B through the corresponding first to third cold air return ports 52ba, 52bb, and 52bc. The air flowing into the second cooling chamber 18B is cooled by the second cooler 83. The cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 flows from the first to third cold air outlets 52aa, 52aab, 52ac into ice making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E. As a result, the cold air flowing through ice making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E is circulated within the refrigerator 1, cooling ice making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E.

The first damper 71 is provided between the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B. The first damper 71 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D, for example, by opening and closing the first cold air outlet 52aa. For example, when the first damper 71 is opened, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B are connected, allowing cold air to be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D. On the other hand, when the first damper 71 is closed, the first switching chamber 17D and the second cooling chamber 18B are blocked from communication with each other, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the first switching chamber 17D.

The second damper 72 is provided between the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B. The second damper 72 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E, for example, by opening and closing the second cold air outlet 52ab. For example, when the second damper 72 is opened, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B are connected, allowing cold air to be supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E. On the other hand, when the second damper 72 is closed, the second switching chamber 17E and the second cooling chamber 18B are blocked from communication with each other, and cold air is no longer supplied from the second cooling chamber 18B to the second switching chamber 17E.

The third damper 73 is located between the ice-making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C and the second cooling compartment 18B. The third damper 73 controls the supply of cold air from the second cooling compartment 18B to the ice-making compartment 17B and small freezer compartment 17C, for example, by opening and closing the third cold air outlet 52ac. For example, when the third damper 73 is opened, the ice-making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C is connected to the second cooling compartment 18B, allowing cold air to be supplied from the second cooling compartment 18B to the ice-making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C. On the other hand, when the third damper 73 is closed, the ice-making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C is disconnected from the second cooling compartment 18B, preventing cold air from being supplied from the second cooling compartment 18B to the ice-making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C.

The first damper 71 has, for example, a first flap (not shown) that covers the first cold air outlet 52aa, and a first drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the first flap. The first drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The first drive mechanism opens the first cold air outlet 52aa, for example, by rotating or sliding the first flap.

The second damper 72 has, for example, a second flap (not shown) that covers the second cold air outlet 52ab, and a second drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the second flap. The second drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The second drive mechanism opens the second cold air outlet 52ab, for example, by rotating or sliding the second flap.

The third damper 73 includes, for example, a third flap (not shown) that covers the third cold air outlet 52ac and a third drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the third flap. The third drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The third drive mechanism opens the third cold air outlet 52ac by, for example, rotating or sliding the third flap.

The first adjustment damper 211 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the first communication portion 210, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the first communication portion 210 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The first adjustment damper 211 may be provided on the ice making chamber 17B side.

The second adjusting damper 221 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the second communication section 220 and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the second communication section 220 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The second adjusting damper 221 may be provided on the small freezer compartment 17C side.

The third adjustment damper 231 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the third communication section 230, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the third communication section 230 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The third adjustment damper 231 may be provided on the ice making chamber 17B side.

The fourth adjustment damper 241 has, for example, a flap (not shown) that covers the fourth communication section 240, and a drive mechanism (not shown) that drives the flap. The drive mechanism includes a drive source such as a motor or solenoid. The drive mechanism opens the fourth communication section 240 by, for example, rotating or sliding the flap. The fourth adjustment damper 241 may be provided on the small freezer compartment 17C side.

The compressor 75 (see Figure 2) is located, for example, in the machine compartment at the bottom of the refrigerator 1. The compressor 75 compresses the gas refrigerant used to cool the storage compartment 17, and supplies the compressed refrigerant to the first cooler 81 and the second cooler 83 via the condenser 91 (described below) and other components.

The control board 100 (see Figure 1) is provided, for example, on the top wall 11 of the housing 10. In this embodiment, the top surface of the top wall 11 of the housing 10 has a recess that is recessed downward. The control board 100 is disposed in the recess. The control board 100 has a control unit 100a (see Figure 4) that is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, a timer, etc. The control unit 100a controls the entire refrigerator 1. The control unit 100a will be described in detail later.

[2. Refrigeration cycle device]
3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 76. The refrigeration cycle device 76 includes a condenser 91, a dryer 92, a three-way valve 93, capillary tubes 94A and 94B, suction pipes 95A and 95B, and a check valve 96. These components are connected in a circular pattern in the order of refrigerant flow: compressor 75, condenser 91, dryer 92, three-way valve 93, capillary tubes 94A and 94B, coolers 81 and 83, and suction pipes 95A and 95B. More specifically, the condenser 91 and the dryer 92 are connected in this order to the high-pressure discharge port of the compressor 75. A three-way valve 93 is connected to the discharge side of the dryer 92. The three-way valve 93 has one inlet connected to the dryer 92 and two outlets.

One of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93 is connected in turn to a first capillary tube 94A and a first cooler 81. The first cooler 81 is connected to the compressor 75 via a first suction pipe 95A, which is a connecting pipe. The other of the two outlets of the three-way valve 93 is connected in turn to a second capillary tube 94B and a second cooler 83. The second cooler 83 is connected to the compressor 75 via a second suction pipe 95B, which is a connecting pipe. A check valve 96 is provided between the second cooler 83 and the compressor 75 to prevent refrigerant from the first cooler 81 from flowing back toward the second cooler 83.

Next, the flow of refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle device 76 will be explained. First, the refrigerant circulating through the refrigeration cycle device 76 is compressed by the compressor 75 to become a high-temperature, high-pressure gas refrigerant, which flows through flow path A. This gas refrigerant dissipates heat in the condenser 91, becoming a medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The liquid refrigerant then passes through the dryer 92, from which impurities such as dirt and moisture have been removed. The liquid refrigerant then enters the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) while being throttled by the three-way valve 93. At this time, the medium-temperature, high-pressure liquid refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or the second capillary tube 94B) is decompressed while exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the first suction pipe 95A (or the second suction pipe 95B). The decompressed liquid refrigerant then evaporates as it passes through the first cooler 81 (or the second cooler 83), cooling the first cooler 81 (or the second cooler 83).

The low-temperature, low-pressure gas refrigerant then flows into the first suction pipe 95A (or second suction pipe 95B). Immediately after flowing into the first suction pipe 95A (or second suction pipe 95B), the temperature of the gas refrigerant is low, around -10°C. As this gas refrigerant passes through the first suction pipe 95A (or second suction pipe 95B), it exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the first capillary tube 94A (or second capillary tube 94B), and is eventually heated to approximately room temperature. This gas refrigerant is then sucked back into the compressor 75, completing the refrigerant circulation.

In the above-described refrigeration cycle device 76, the three-way valve 93 is controlled by the control unit 100a to select, for example, one or both of flow path B and flow path C. Flow path B is a flow path that supplies refrigerant to the first cooler 81. Flow path C is a flow path that supplies refrigerant to the second cooler 83. These two flow paths B and C merge at a junction D. The refrigerant flows from the junction D in the direction of arrow E and returns to the compressor 75. In this embodiment, when at least one of the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E is used as a freezing temperature zone chamber, the second cooler 83 is supplied with liquid refrigerant in an amount and at a temperature suitable for cooling the freezing temperature zone chamber.

3. Control
3.1 Functional configuration related to control
4 is a block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of refrigerator 1. Control unit 100a is electrically connected to operation panel unit 111, memory unit 112, refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113, first switching compartment temperature sensor 114, second switching compartment temperature sensor 115, first damper 71, second damper 72, first blower 82, second blower 84, compressor 75, three-way valve 93, first adjustment damper 211, second adjustment damper 221, third adjustment damper 231, and fourth adjustment damper 241.

The operation panel unit 111 is realized by, for example, buttons, dials, or a capacitive touch sensor, and accepts user operations related to the operation of the refrigerator 1. For example, the operation panel unit 111 is provided on the exterior of the door 20. For example, the operation panel unit 111 accepts user operations to switch each of the first switchable compartment 17D and the second switchable compartment 17E between a refrigerated temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment.

For example, a user can use first switchable compartment 17D as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment by operating operation panel unit 111 and setting the operating mode of first switchable compartment 17D to "refrigerated operation mode." For example, when first switchable compartment 17D is used as a refrigerated temperature zone compartment, operation panel unit 111 may be configured to accept selection of one of "strong refrigeration setting," "medium refrigeration setting," and "weak refrigeration setting" as the operating mode for the refrigerated temperature zone compartment. The center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "strong refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "medium refrigeration setting." The center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "medium refrigeration setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "weak refrigeration setting."

For example, a user can use the first switchable compartment 17D as a so-called "refrigerator compartment" by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switchable compartment 17D to "medium refrigeration setting" or "strong refrigeration setting." On the other hand, a user can use the first switchable compartment 17D as a so-called "vegetable compartment" by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operation mode of the first switchable compartment 17D to "weak refrigeration setting." Note that the first switchable compartment 17D may also be used as a so-called "chilled compartment" by setting the operation mode of the first switchable compartment 17D to "strong refrigeration setting."

On the other hand, the user can use the first switchable compartment 17D as a freezer temperature zone compartment (so-called "freezer compartment") by operating the operation panel unit 111 and setting the operating mode of the first switchable compartment 17D to "freezer operation mode." For example, when the first switchable compartment 17D is used as a freezer temperature zone compartment, the operation panel unit 111 may be configured to accept selection of one of "strong freezer setting," "medium freezer setting," and "weak freezer setting" as the operating mode for the freezer temperature zone compartment. The center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "strong freezer setting" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "medium freezer setting." The center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "medium freezer mode" is lower than the center temperature of the set temperature zone for the "weak freezer setting."

Similarly, the operation panel unit 111 accepts user operations to switch the second switching compartment 17E between a refrigeration temperature zone compartment and a freezer temperature zone compartment. The details regarding switching the operating mode of the second switching compartment 17E are the same as the details regarding switching the operating mode of the first switching compartment 17D. Therefore, in the description of the second switching compartment 17E, the "first switching compartment 17D" in the above description of the first switching compartment 17D can be read as the "second switching compartment 17E." In the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, each of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E can be set to any storage compartment selected from among a refrigerator compartment, freezer compartment, vegetable compartment, or the like, according to the user's preference.

The memory unit 112 is realized, for example, by a non-volatile semiconductor memory, and stores information necessary for operating the refrigerator 1. The memory unit 112 stores, for example, the control amounts and drive timings of the first damper 71, second damper 72, first adjustment damper 211, second adjustment damper 221, third adjustment damper 231, fourth adjustment damper 241, first blower 82, second blower 84, and compressor 75 in various operating modes.

The refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113 is provided in the refrigerator compartment 17A and detects the air temperature in the refrigerator compartment 17A. The first switching compartment temperature sensor 114 is provided in the first switching compartment 17D and detects the air temperature in the first switching compartment 17D. The second switching compartment temperature sensor 115 is provided in the second switching compartment 17E and detects the air temperature in the second switching compartment 17E.

[3.2 Refrigerator temperature control]
Next, a description will be given of temperature management of the refrigerator 1. Here, the temperature management of the first switching compartment 17D will be described as a representative example.

The control unit 100a monitors the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D (e.g., the temperature detected by the first switching compartment temperature sensor 114) and controls the cooling of the first switching compartment 17D based on the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D. Specifically, a set temperature range is set for the first switching compartment 17D according to each operating mode. For example, the control unit 100a starts cooling the first switching compartment 17D when the temperature of the first switching compartment 17D rises to the upper limit of the set temperature range.

On the other hand, for example, if the temperature of first switching compartment 17D drops to the lower limit of the set temperature range (target cooling temperature), control unit 100a will terminate (stop) cooling of first switching compartment 17D. By repeating the above operation, control unit 100a maintains the temperature of first switching compartment 17D within the set temperature range. Note that, instead of or in addition to the above control, control unit 100a may resume cooling of first switching compartment 17D without waiting for the temperature of first switching compartment 17D to reach the upper limit of the set temperature range if the elapsed time since the previous end of cooling of first switching compartment 17D exceeds a preset time.

The basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E is the same as the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D. Therefore, in the explanation of the basic operation of the second switching chamber 17E, in the explanation of the basic operation of the first switching chamber 17D above, "first switching chamber 17D" can be read as "second switching chamber 17E," and "the temperature of the first switching chamber 17D (e.g., the temperature detected by the first switching chamber temperature sensor 114)" can be read as "the temperature of the second switching chamber 17E (e.g., the temperature detected by the second switching chamber temperature sensor 115)."

[3.3 Set temperature range]
Next, the "set temperature range" will be described. The "set temperature range" refers to the temperature range in which the air temperature of the storage compartment 17, which is the target of temperature management, is maintained in both the refrigeration operation mode and the freezing operation mode. The "set temperature range" refers to a temperature range defined by an upper limit value and a lower limit value.

In this embodiment, as described above, the operating modes for the refrigeration temperature compartment are "strong refrigeration setting," "medium refrigeration setting," and "weak refrigeration setting." The upper and lower limits of the set temperature range for the "strong refrigeration setting" are lower than the upper and lower limits of the set temperature range for the "medium refrigeration setting." The upper and lower limits of the set temperature range for the "weak refrigeration setting" are higher than the upper and lower limits of the set temperature range for the "medium refrigeration setting."

When the "strong refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a performs at least one of setting the control amount (e.g., operating frequency) of the compressor 75 higher and setting the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 higher, compared to when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected. On the other hand, when the "weak refrigeration setting" is selected, the control unit 100a performs at least one of setting the control amount (e.g., operating frequency) of the compressor 75 lower and setting the control amount (e.g., rotation speed) of the second blower 84 lower, compared to when the "medium refrigeration setting" is selected.

The same applies to the freezer temperature compartment operating modes: "strong freezer setting," "medium freezer setting," and "weak freezer setting." Note that if conflicting settings are made for the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84, such as when the first switching compartment 17D is set to the "weak refrigeration setting" and the second switching compartment 17E is set to the "strong freezer setting," the control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second blower 84 may be determined according to a pre-set rule (such as prioritizing "refrigeration operation mode" or "freezer operation mode").

The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second fan 84 may be the same in the operating modes of the refrigerated temperature compartment, "strong refrigeration setting," "medium refrigeration setting," and "weak refrigeration setting." The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second fan 84 may be the same in the operating modes of the freezer temperature compartment, "strong freezing setting," "medium freezing setting," and "weak freezing setting." The control amount of the compressor 75 and the control amount of the second fan 84 may be the same in the operating modes of the refrigerated temperature compartment and the freezer temperature compartment.

3.4 Control Mode
Next, several control modes that can be executed by the control unit 100a will be described. Here, "normal cooling control" and "special cooling control" will be described. "Special cooling control" is a control that controls the temperatures of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E, thereby shortening the cooling time of the adjacent ice making compartment 17B or small freezer compartment 17C (hereinafter referred to as "adjacent compartments") without changing the temperature zone setting of the adjacent compartment. In this embodiment, the ice making compartment 17B and the small freezer compartment 17C are adjacent compartments.

3.4.1 Normal Cooling Control
First, normal cooling control will be described. In normal cooling control, when the temperatures of ice making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E are near the lower limit of their respective set temperature ranges, first damper 71, second damper 72, and third damper 73 are closed, and compressor 75 and second blower 84 are also stopped.

In contrast, when the temperature of any of the ice-making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, first switching compartment 17D, and second switching compartment 17E reaches the upper limit of the set temperature range, the damper corresponding to the storage compartment 17 that has reached that upper limit is opened, and the compressor 75 and second blower 84 are driven. This causes liquid refrigerant to be supplied to the second cooler 83, and the cold air cooled by the second cooler 83 is blown by the second blower 84 into the storage compartment 17. This cools the storage compartment 17 whose temperature has reached the set temperature range.

The compressor 75 and second blower 84 may be driven with the first damper 71, second damper 72, and third damper 73 closed. This supplies liquid refrigerant to the second cooler 83, and the cold heat of the second cooler 83 is transferred to the adjacent storage compartment 17 by thermal conduction. In this way, the storage compartment 17 adjacent to the second cooler 83 may be directly cooled by the cold heat of the second cooler 83. For example, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, the ice making compartment 17B, small freezer compartment 17C, and second switching compartment 17E can be directly cooled by the thermal conduction of the cold heat of the second cooler 83. In this case, the control unit 100a may drive the compressor 75 with the second blower 84 stopped.

3.4.2 Special Cooling Control
Next, special cooling control will be described. As described above, special cooling control is a control mode that can shorten the cooling time of an adjacent compartment without changing the temperature zone setting of the adjacent compartment. Specifically, special cooling control is a control mode that promotes cooling of the adjacent compartment by opening the adjustment damper under predetermined conditions and supplying cold air from the switching compartment 17D to the adjacent compartment. Note that even during special cooling control, the temperature control of each storage compartment 17 is basically performed in accordance with normal cooling control. Therefore, in other words, special cooling control can be said to be a process that controls the opening and closing of the adjustment damper while normal cooling control is being performed. Details of special cooling control will be described below.

Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of special cooling control. The series of processes shown in this flowchart may be executed in the same thread as normal cooling control, or in a different thread from normal cooling control. Furthermore, if the series of processes shown in this flowchart are executed in the same thread as normal cooling control, the series of processes may be executed at a predetermined timing within normal cooling control, or may be executed as an interrupt process that interrupts normal cooling control when a predetermined event is triggered.

In this flowchart, the control unit 100a first determines whether the current control mode is normal cooling control or special cooling control (step S101). For example, the operation panel unit 111 displays a setting screen that accepts input to set the control mode to either normal cooling control or special cooling control, and the control mode selected by the user is recorded in the memory unit 112 as a setting value. In this case, the control unit 100a can identify the current control mode by referencing the setting value recorded in the memory unit 112.

If it is determined in step S101 that the current control mode is special cooling control (step S101: special cooling control), the control unit 100a acquires the set values of the set temperature zones set in the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E (step S102). Note that, like the set values of the control mode, the set values of the set temperature zones are also recorded in the memory unit 112 in response to setting operations input by the user. Based on the acquired set value of the set temperature zone, the control unit 100a determines whether the set temperature zone of at least one of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E is the freezing temperature zone (step S103).

If, in step S103, it is determined that the set temperature zones of both the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E are not in the freezing temperature zone (step S103-NO), the control unit 100a returns to step S101 without controlling the adjustable dampers described below. On the other hand, if, in step S103, it is determined that the set temperature zone of at least one of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E is in the freezing temperature zone (step S103-YES), the control unit 100a determines the adjustable damper to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as the "target damper") from among the first adjustable damper 211, the second adjustable damper 221, the third adjustable damper 231, and the fourth adjustable damper 241 based on the set temperature zones of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment (step S104). The control unit 100a opens the adjustable damper determined as the target damper (step S105) and returns to step S101.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the current control mode is normal cooling control (step S101: normal cooling control), the control unit 100a closes all of the first adjustment damper 211, second adjustment damper 221, third adjustment damper 231, and fourth adjustment damper 241 (step S106) and returns processing to step S101.

Specifically, the control unit 100a determines the adjustment damper corresponding to the switching compartment 17 whose set temperature zone is set to the freezing temperature zone as the target damper. For example, in the refrigerator 1 of this embodiment, if the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment 17D is the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 100a determines the first adjustment damper 211 and the second adjustment damper 221 as the target dampers. Similarly, if the set temperature zone of the second switching compartment 17E is the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 100a determines the third adjustment damper 231 and the fourth adjustment damper 241 as the target dampers.

In addition, the control unit 100a may be configured to close the adjustment damper opened in step S105 if the temperature in the adjacent room reaches a predetermined temperature in the set temperature range after opening the target damper in step S105. For example, the control unit 100a may close the target damper if the temperature in the adjacent room reaches the lower limit of the set temperature range.

With the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment configured in this manner, by controlling the opening and closing of the adjustment damper according to the set temperature ranges of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E, it is possible to supply cold air from the first switching compartment 17D or the second switching compartment 17E to an adjacent compartment. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time of an adjacent compartment without changing the temperature range setting of the adjacent compartment. For example, with the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment, it is possible to shorten the time required to make ice without changing the set temperature range of the ice making compartment 17B.

<Modification>
The control unit 100a may determine the target damper depending on the operating mode of the freezing temperature range. For example, the control unit 100a may determine, as the target damper, the adjustment damper corresponding to the switching compartment 17 in which the operating mode of the freezing temperature range compartment is set to "strong freezing setting" or "medium freezing setting." This configuration allows for more precise control of the timing to open the adjustment damper, thereby improving the convenience of the special cooling control.

The control unit 100a may determine the target damper based on the temperature of the adjacent compartment in addition to the set temperature range of the switching compartment 17. For example, the control unit 100a may determine the first adjustment damper 211 (or the second adjustment damper 221) as the target damper when the set temperature range of the first switching compartment 17D is the freezing temperature range and the temperature of the ice making compartment 17B (or the small freezer compartment 17C) is above a predetermined upper limit. Similarly, the control unit 100a may determine the third adjustment damper 231 (or the fourth adjustment damper 241) as the target damper when the set temperature range of the second switching compartment 17E is the freezing temperature range and the temperature of the ice making compartment 17B (or the small freezer compartment 17C) is above a predetermined upper limit. This configuration allows the adjustment damper to open only when cooling of the adjacent compartment is required, thereby suppressing unnecessary temperature interference between the switching compartment 17 and the adjacent compartment. Furthermore, this configuration reduces the frequency with which the adjustment damper is operated, thereby reducing wear on the adjustment damper.

Second Embodiment
FIG. 6 is a front view showing an example of the configuration of refrigerator 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of refrigerator 1b according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of refrigerator 1b along line F2-F2 shown in FIG. 6. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, refrigerator 1b differs from refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment in that it does not include first communication portion 210, second communication portion 220, third communication portion 230, fourth communication portion 240, first adjustment damper 211, second adjustment damper 221, third adjustment damper 231, or fourth adjustment damper 241. Also, refrigerator 1b differs from refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment in that it includes housing 10d instead of housing 10 and further includes vacuum pump 261 and opening/closing portions 262a and 262b. Other configurations of refrigerator 1b are similar to those of refrigerator 1 according to the first embodiment. 6 and 7, the same components as those in the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the description thereof will be omitted.

The housing 10d differs from the housing 10 of the first embodiment in that it includes second partition 19D and third partition 19E instead of second partition 19B and third partition 19C. While second partition 19B and third partition 19C have insulating material inside, second partition 19D and third partition 19E are hollow. Second partition 19D and third partition 19E are provided with air ports for feeding air into the interior or drawing air out of the interior, and each air port is connected to the intake port of a vacuum pump 261.

The vacuum pump 261 reduces the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E by drawing out the air inside them. By controlling the operation of the vacuum pump 261, the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E can be adjusted within a range from atmospheric pressure to vacuum pressure. Therefore, the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E are configured to withstand shrinkage and deformation of the container due to vacuum pressure.

The vacuum pump 261 may be installed in any position relative to the refrigerator 1b, as long as it is capable of extracting air from inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E. For example, the vacuum pump 261 may be installed inside or outside the housing 10d. Here, the inside of the housing 10d refers to the space formed by the housing 10d and the door 20, and the outside of the housing 10d refers to the side that forms the outer wall of the refrigerator 1b.

Figure 7 shows an example in which the vacuum pump 261 is installed at the back of the bottom of the refrigerator compartment 17A. In this way, when the intake port of the vacuum pump 261 and the air ports of the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E are located apart, the intake port and each air port are connected by an air supply pipe L that can withstand contraction and deformation due to vacuum pressure.

In this case, to prevent the air drawn out from the interior of the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E from impeding the cooling of the refrigerator compartment 17A, it is preferable that the refrigerator 1 be provided with an exhaust path that releases the air drawn out by the vacuum pump 261 to the outside of the housing 10d.

Opening/closing unit 262a is a drive mechanism that can open and close the air vent of second partition unit 19D through electrical drive control. Similarly, opening/closing unit 262b is a drive mechanism that can open and close the air vent of third partition unit 19E through electrical drive control. Hereinafter, unless there is a need to particularly distinguish between them, opening/closing units 262a and 262b will be referred to as opening/closing unit 262.

The opening/closing unit 262 may be any driving mechanism that can prevent air from flowing into the interior of the housing 10d when the air vent is closed. For example, the opening/closing unit 262 may be configured using a solenoid valve such as a PMV (Pulse Motor Valve), or may be configured using a damper that can seal the interior of the housing 10d with a slidable flap.

Figure 8 shows the change in thermal conductivity between the first and second switching chambers 17D and 17E and adjacent chambers due to the second and third partitions 19D and 19E. Figure 8(A) shows the thermal conductivity when the internal pressure of the second and third partitions 19D and 19E is adjusted to atmospheric pressure, while Figure 8(B) shows the thermal conductivity when the internal pressure of the second and third partitions 19D and 19E is adjusted to vacuum pressure. As shown in Figure 8(A), when the internal pressure of the second and third partitions 19D and 19E is adjusted to atmospheric pressure, the internal space of the second and third partitions 19D and 19E is filled with air as a heat conduction medium, enabling thermal conduction. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8 (B), when the pressure inside the second partition section 19D and the third partition section 19E is adjusted to vacuum pressure, no heat conduction medium is present in the space inside the second partition section 19D and the third partition section 19E, so heat conduction between the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E and the adjacent chambers can be blocked (insulated).

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing part of the functional configuration of refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment. In refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment, control board 100 has control unit 100b, which is composed of, for example, a microcomputer and a timer. Control unit 100b is electrically connected to operation panel unit 111, memory unit 112, refrigerator compartment temperature sensor 113, first switching compartment temperature sensor 114, second switching compartment temperature sensor 115, first damper 71, second damper 72, first blower 82, second blower 84, compressor 75, three-way valve 93, vacuum pump 261, and opening/closing unit 262.

While the control unit 100a in the first embodiment achieved special cooling control by opening and closing the adjustable damper, the control unit 100b achieves special cooling control by controlling the vacuum pump 261 and the opening and closing unit 262. Similar to the control unit 100a, the control unit 100b can switch between normal cooling control and special cooling control, and can execute normal cooling control similar to the control unit 100a.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of special cooling control in the second embodiment. The series of processes shown in this flowchart may be executed in the same thread as normal cooling control, or in a different thread from normal cooling control. Furthermore, if the series of processes shown in this flowchart are executed in the same thread as normal cooling control, the series of processes may be executed at a predetermined timing within normal cooling control, or may be executed as interrupt processing that interrupts normal cooling control when a predetermined event is triggered. Furthermore, in this flowchart, processes that are similar to those in special cooling control in the first embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as in Figure 5, and their description will be omitted.

If it is determined in step S103 that the set temperature zone of at least one of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E is the freezing temperature zone (step S103-YES), the control unit 100b determines the target opening/closing unit 262 to be controlled (hereinafter referred to as the "target opening/closing unit") (step S201). The control unit 100b opens the opening/closing unit 262 determined as the target opening/closing unit (step S202) and returns to step S101.

Specifically, the control unit 100b determines the opening/closing part 262 of the partition 19 between the switching compartment 17, whose set temperature zone is the freezing temperature zone, and an adjacent compartment, as the target opening/closing part. For example, in the refrigerator 1b of this embodiment, if the set temperature zone of the first switching compartment 17D is the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 100b determines the opening/closing part 262a of the second partition 19D as the target opening/closing part. Similarly, if the set temperature zone of the second switching compartment 17E is the freezing temperature zone, the control unit 100b determines the opening/closing part 262b of the third partition 19E as the target opening/closing part.

For example, if the opening/closing section 262a of the second partition section 19D is determined to be the target opening/closing section, opening the opening/closing section 262a causes air to flow into the interior of the second partition section 19D, and the pressure inside the second partition section 19D transitions to atmospheric pressure. As a result, heat conduction becomes possible between the first switching chamber 17D and the adjacent chamber, and the cold heat from the first switching chamber 17D is supplied to the adjacent chamber. This promotes cooling of the adjacent chamber.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the current control mode is normal cooling control (step S101: normal cooling control), the control unit 100b opens all opening/closing units 262 (step S203) and starts operation of the vacuum pump 261 (step S204). After starting operation of the vacuum pump 261, the control unit 100b determines whether the pressure inside the second partition unit 19D and the third partition unit 19E has reached vacuum pressure (step S205). For example, the pressure inside the second partition unit 19D and the third partition unit 19E may be measured by a pressure gauge or may be measured by conversion based on the intake volume of the vacuum pump 261.

If, in step S205, it is determined that the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E has not reached vacuum pressure (step S205-NO), the control unit 100b repeatedly executes step S205 until the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E reaches vacuum pressure. On the other hand, if, in step S205, it is determined that the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E has reached vacuum pressure (step S205-YES), the control unit 100b closes all opening/closing units 262 (step S206) and returns to step S101. This maintains the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E at vacuum pressure, thereby blocking heat conduction between the first switching chamber 17D and the second switching chamber 17E and adjacent chambers during normal cooling control.

In addition, the control unit 100b may be configured to close the target opening/closing unit opened in step S202 if the temperature of the adjacent room reaches a predetermined temperature in the set temperature range after opening the target opening/closing unit in step S202. For example, the control unit 100b may be configured to close the target opening/closing unit if the temperature of the adjacent room reaches the lower limit of the set temperature range. In this case, the control unit 100b may be configured to operate the vacuum pump 261 to adjust the pressure inside the second partition unit 19D and the third partition unit 19E to vacuum pressure before closing the target opening/closing unit.

With the refrigerator 1b of the second embodiment configured in this manner, the pressure inside the second partition 19D and the third partition 19E is controlled to a vacuum pressure according to the set temperature ranges of the first switching compartment 17D and the second switching compartment 17E, making it possible to supply cold heat from the first switching compartment 17D or the second switching compartment 17E to an adjacent compartment. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time of an adjacent compartment without changing the temperature range setting of the adjacent compartment, just like the refrigerator 1 of the first embodiment.

At least one of the embodiments described above has a switching chamber that can be switched between a first temperature zone chamber and a second temperature zone chamber that is lower in temperature than the first temperature zone chamber, an adjacent chamber adjacent to the switching chamber, and a control unit that controls the temperature of the switching chamber and the adjacent chamber. By controlling the temperature of the switching chamber with the control unit, it is possible to adjust the time it takes for the temperature of the adjacent chamber to reach a predetermined temperature zone, thereby further shortening the cooling time of the storage chamber without changing the temperature zone setting.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims, as well as the scope and spirit of the invention.

1...refrigerator, 10...casing, 60...cooling unit, 17A...refrigeration compartment, 17B...ice making compartment, 17C...small freezer compartment, 17D...first switching compartment, 17E...second switching compartment, 18A...first cooling compartment, 18B...second cooling compartment, 19A...first partition, 19B, 19D...second partition, 19C, 19E...third partition, 71...first damper, 72...second damper, 81...first cooler , 82...first blower, 83...second cooler, 84...second blower, 100a, 100b...controller, 122...defrost heater, 210...first communication part, 211...first adjustment damper, 220...second communication part, 221...second adjustment damper, 230...third communication part, 231...third adjustment damper, 240...fourth communication part, 241...fourth adjustment damper, 261...vacuum pump, 262...opening/closing part.

Claims (6)

A first storage chamber;
A second storage chamber;
a cooling chamber containing a cooler;
a first passage that returns at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber;
a second passage provided separately from the first passage and configured to guide at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber;
an opening/closing device capable of opening and closing the second passage;
a control unit that controls the opening and closing device;
Equipped with
The first storage compartment has a set temperature zone that can be switched between a refrigeration temperature zone and a freezing temperature zone,
the control unit controls the opening and closing device to open the second passage when a predetermined condition is satisfied, including that the set temperature zone of the first storage compartment is the same as the temperature zone to which the second storage compartment is cooled, among the refrigeration temperature zone and the freezing temperature zone.
refrigerator . A first storage chamber;
A second storage chamber;
A third storage chamber;
a cooling chamber containing a cooler;
a first passage that returns at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber;
a second passage provided separately from the first passage and configured to guide at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber;
a third passage provided separately from the first passage and the second passage, which guides at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the third storage chamber;
A refrigerator with A first storage chamber;
A second storage chamber;
A third storage chamber;
a cooling chamber containing a cooler;
a first passage that returns at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber;
a second passage provided separately from the first passage and configured to guide at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber;
a third passage provided separately from the first passage and the second passage, which guides at least a portion of the cool air in the third storage chamber from the third storage chamber to the second storage chamber;
A refrigerator with an opening/closing device capable of opening and closing the second passage;
a control unit that controls the opening and closing device;
Furthermore,
The refrigerator according to claim 2 or 3. the control unit controls the opening and closing device to open the second passage when the temperature of the second storage chamber is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.
The refrigerator according to claim 1 or claim 4 . A first storage chamber;
A second storage chamber;
a cooling chamber containing a cooler;
a first passage that returns at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the cooling chamber;
a second passage provided separately from the first passage and configured to guide at least a portion of the cool air in the first storage chamber from the first storage chamber to the second storage chamber;
a compressor that compresses a refrigerant to be supplied to the cooler;
a control unit that controls the compressor;
Equipped with
The control unit is capable of executing control to cool the second storage compartment by driving the compressor in a state in which all opening/closing devices of all passages that guide cold air to the second storage compartment are closed,
refrigerator .