CN112082305A

CN112082305A - Refrigerator with a door

Info

Publication number: CN112082305A
Application number: CN202010522468.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 和田悟; 马场盛司; 浦久保稔
Original assignee: Sharp Corp
Current assignee: Sharp Corp
Priority date: 2019-06-13
Filing date: 2020-06-10
Publication date: 2020-12-15
Also published as: US20200390239A1; JP2020201025A

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a lid portion that closes an opening of a cartridge that can be put into the refrigerator, the lid portion being shorter in distance from the cartridge as the cartridge is put into the refrigerator, and being in contact with the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is stored in the refrigerator.

Description

Refrigerator with a door

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a refrigerator.

Background

Japanese patent laid-open publication No. 2012-220148 discloses a technique of sealing a gap between a vegetable box and a partition by providing a sealing material on the partition located at an upper portion of the vegetable box, and blocking a flow of cold air.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem to be solved by the invention

In the above-described conventional refrigerator, for example, the inflow and outflow of air on the side when the box is put in cannot be blocked.

An object of one embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide a refrigerator that can suppress inflow and outflow of air when a cartridge is put in, for example.

Means for solving the problems

A refrigerator according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes, for example, a lid portion that closes an opening of a cartridge that can be put into the refrigerator, the lid portion being configured to shorten a distance from the cartridge in accordance with the putting of the cartridge, and to be in contact with the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is stored in the refrigerator.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic view showing an example of a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which (a) is a front view of the refrigerator and (b) is a side view of the refrigerator.

Fig. 2 is a schematic view showing an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator, wherein (a) the internal structure is shown from the front of the refrigerator, and (b) the internal structure is shown from the side of the refrigerator.

Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the configuration in the refrigerator, where (a) shows a state where the cartridge is taken out and (b) shows a state where the cartridge is put in.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of one side surface in the refrigerator.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic perspective view showing an example of the essential parts of the lever and the arm, wherein (a) shows a state where the cassette is taken out, and (b) shows a state where the cassette is put in.

Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the operation of the lever, the arm, and the slide lever in the refrigerator, where (a) shows a state in which a cartridge is taken out and (b) shows a state in which a cartridge is put in.

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator, where (a) shows a state where the cartridge is taken out, (b) shows a state where the cartridge is being put in, and (c) shows a state where the cartridge is put in.

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of operations of a box, a cover, and a frame in a refrigerator, where (a) shows a state where the box is taken out, (b) shows a state where the box is being put in, and (c) shows a state where the box is put in.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between gears and arms provided in a refrigerator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, where (a) shows a relationship between a first gear, a second gear, and a first frame, and (b) shows a relationship between a third gear, a fourth gear, and a second frame.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged schematic perspective view showing an example of essential parts of each member included in the frame, wherein (a) shows a state where the cassette is taken out, and (b) shows a state where the cassette is put in the middle.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing the cartridge and the lid, wherein (a) shows a state where the cartridge is taken out, (b) shows a state where the cartridge is being loaded, and (c) shows a state where the cartridge is loaded.

Fig. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator, where (a) shows a state where the cartridge is taken out and (b) shows a state where the cartridge is put in.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator, (a) shows a state where the cartridge is taken out, (b) shows a state where the cartridge is put in, and (c) shows a section different from the section shown in (b) (a section where the cartridge is viewed from above).

Detailed Description

[ example 1 ]

A refrigerator 10 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to fig. 1 to 6.

(constitution of refrigerator 10)

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a refrigerator 10. Fig. 1 (a) is a front view of the refrigerator 10, and fig. 1 (b) is a side view of the refrigerator 10. As illustrated in fig. 1 (a), the refrigerator 10 includes a refrigerating chamber 2, an ice-making chamber 3, a first freezing chamber 4, and a second freezing chamber 5. The refrigerating chamber 2 has a left-opening, right-opening, or two-opening door, and stores stored items in a refrigerated manner. The ice making chamber 3 maintains the internal temperature of the ice making chamber 3 below freezing point to make ice. The first freezing chamber 4 and the second freezing chamber 5 freeze and store stored materials. The configuration of the refrigerator 10 is not limited to the configuration illustrated in fig. 1. For example, the door of the refrigerating compartment 2 may be a door that is opened in the right and left direction, and the number of the freezing compartments may be three or more.

Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the internal structure of the refrigerator 10. Fig. 2 (a) shows the internal structure from the front of the refrigerator 10, and fig. 2 (b) shows the internal structure from the side of the refrigerator 10. As illustrated in fig. 2 (a) and (b), the refrigerating compartment 2 is provided with a vegetable compartment 6.

Then, the vegetable compartment 6 is provided so that the box 11 can be taken in and out from the inside of the vegetable compartment 6 (inside the refrigerator). That is, the user can store the cartridge 11 in the refrigerator by pushing (putting) the cartridge 11 into the refrigerator, and can take out the cartridge by pulling (taking) the cartridge out of the refrigerator. The direction of taking out and putting in the cassette 11 can be set arbitrarily.

In addition, the refrigerating compartment 2 is also provided with a chilling chamber 7. Then, a cassette is also provided in the quench chamber 7, which can be accessed from the interior thereof. The cassette may have the same function as the cassette 11 (described below) and may operate in the same manner. That is, the refrigerator 10 may have the same function as the cartridge 11 at any position of the refrigerator 10.

(inner structure of refrigerator)

Fig. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator. Fig. 3 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 11 is taken out, and fig. 3 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 11 is put in. In addition, in the following description, in the case where there are a plurality of identical components, each component is distinguished by further designating a lower case letter in a reference numeral.

As illustrated in fig. 3, the refrigerator 10 includes a box 11, a cover 12, a rail 13, a lever 14, and an arm 15.

The cartridge 11 is a container that is freely taken out of and put into the refrigerator 10. Here, as illustrated in fig. 3 (a) and (b), the edge of the opening 17 may be inclined so that the width from the bottom surface of the case 11 decreases toward the back side (the back side where the case 11 is placed).

The case 11 is provided with an opening 17, and the inside of the case 11 is exposed in a state where the case 11 is removed. The position of the opening 17 with respect to the case 11 can be set arbitrarily. For example, the opening 17 may be provided on the upper surface of the case 11, may be provided on the front side (the side near the removal of the case 11), or may be provided on both sides.

Further, the box 11 may have, for example, an opening 17 for allowing a stored material (for example, fresh food such as vegetables) to enter and exit, and a slide bar 19 for allowing the box 11 to be taken out and put in by sliding while keeping contact with the guide rail 13. The slide rod 19 may have a projection 18 that contacts the rod 14 when the cassette 11 is placed therein, for example.

The lid 12 is a lid that closes the opening 17 of the case 11. The cover 12 is shortened in distance from the cartridge 11 as the cartridge 11 is put in, and contacts the cartridge 11 in a state where the cartridge 11 is stored in the refrigerator. Thereby, the refrigerator 10 can suppress the inflow and outflow of air to and from the inside of the box 11 without increasing the user's trouble of covering the box 11 with the cover 12. At this time, the cover 12 may contact the entire outer periphery of the opening 17 of the case 11. This can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 10 when the lid 12 covers the cartridge 11.

Conversely, when the user takes out the box 11, the cover 12 is separated from the box 11 in conjunction with the taking-out, and the opening 17 is exposed to the user. Thus, the refrigerator 10 can easily store and take out the stored items without removing the cover 12 from the box 11, causing no trouble to the user.

As illustrated in fig. 3, when the edge of the opening 17 is inclined, the edge of the cover 12 may be inclined in accordance with the inclination. That is, both sides may be inclined so that a gap between the edge of the opening 17 and the edge of the lid 12 is small when the case 11 and the lid 12 are brought into contact with each other. In this case, since the refrigerator 10 can bring the lid 12 into sufficient contact with the opening 17 of the box 11, the inflow and outflow of air into and out of the box 11 can be further suppressed.

Further, an elastic pad may be provided on at least one of the edge of the opening 17 and the edge of the lid 12. In this case, since the refrigerator 10 can bring the lid 12 into contact with the opening 17 of the box 11 more sufficiently, the inflow and outflow of air into and out of the inside of the box 11 can be further suppressed.

The guide rail 13 is a member that slidably supports the cassette 11. The guide rails 13 may be provided on both sides of the refrigerator, for example. Here, fig. 3 shows a guide rail 13a provided only on one side surface. When the guide rail 13 is provided on both side surfaces in the refrigerator, the guide rail 13b may be provided on the other side surface (see fig. 4). In this case, for example, a plurality of sliders 19 (e.g., a slider 19a and a slider 19b) may be provided on both side surfaces of the cassette 11 so as to correspond to the

guide rails

13a and 13b, respectively. Further, for example, a plurality of guide rails 13 may be provided on one side surface or both side surfaces. This can improve the stability of the refrigerator 10 when the cartridge 11 is taken out and put in.

The lever 14 is a rotary member that rotates in conjunction with the insertion and removal of the cassette 11 and rotates in reverse in conjunction with the removal, while being rotatably supported by the guide rail 13. For example, a plurality of rods 14 may be provided on the guide rail 13. Fig. 3 shows the lever 14a and the lever 14b provided only on one side surface. When the guide rail 13b is provided on the other side surface, a plurality of levers (for example, the lever 14c and the lever 14d) may be provided (see fig. 4) on the guide rail 13 b. Further, in order to enhance the force of the reverse rotation of the lever 14, for example, an elastic body such as a spring (for example, a torsion coil spring) may be provided on the shaft of the support lever 14.

In the case where a plurality of rods 14 are supported on one guide rail 13, for example, a plurality of projections 18 may be provided on the slide bar 19 so as to correspond to the plurality of rods 14, respectively. At this time, the plurality of projections 18 (

projections

18a and 18b in fig. 3) are in contact with and separated from the corresponding levers 14 (

levers

14a and 14b in fig. 3). When the slide bar 19b is provided on the other side surface of the cassette 11, the slide bar 19b may be provided with a plurality of projections 18 (for example, projections 18c and 18 d).

The arm 15 connects the cover 12 and the lever 14, and moves the cover 12 in accordance with the rotation of the lever 14. Specifically, one end of the arm 15 is fitted to the lever 14, and the other end is fitted to the edge of the cover 12. Since the arm 15 moves up and down according to the rotation of the lever 14, the cover 12 also moves up and down.

That is, when the lever 14 rotates in conjunction with the insertion of the cassette 11, the arm 15 descends along with the rotation, and the lid 12 connected to the arm 15 also descends. In this manner, since the cover 12 is pulled down by the arm 15, the cover 12 is shortened in distance from the cartridge 11 as the cartridge 11 is put in, and comes into contact with the cartridge 11 in a state where the cartridge 11 is stored in the refrigerator.

Conversely, when the lever 14 is reversed in conjunction with the removal of the cassette 11, the arm 15 rises in conjunction with the reversal, and the lid 12 connected to the arm 15 also rises. In this manner, as the lid 12 is pushed up by the arm 15, the lid 12 extends a distance from the cassette 11 as the cassette 11 is removed.

Thus, the refrigerator 10 can be opened and closed by interlocking the lid 12 with the cassette 11. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 can suppress the inflow and outflow of air to and from the inside of the box 11 without increasing the user's trouble of covering the box 11 with the cover 12.

When a plurality of rods 14 are supported on one guide rail 13, a plurality of arms 15 may be provided corresponding to the plurality of rods 14. Then, the plurality of arms 15 (in fig. 3, the

arms

15a and 15b) move up and down according to the rotation of the corresponding levers 14 (see fig. 4).

The refrigerator 10 may be provided with a spring, for example. For example, the spring may be an elastic body having one end connected to the cover 12 and the other end connected to a portion (e.g., upper surface) inside the refrigerator. That is, in a state where the cartridge 11 is stored in the refrigerator, a force (elastic force by a spring) acts on at least one of the lid 12 and the cartridge 11 in a direction in which the lid 12 and the opening 17 of the cartridge 11 are away from each other. Thus, when the user pulls out the box 11, the refrigerator 10 can rapidly release the state in which the cover 12 is in contact with the box 11. Therefore, in the refrigerator 10, when the cartridge 11 is taken out, the cartridge 11 can be smoothly taken out without causing the user to feel jamming.

The shapes of the respective members described above are not limited to those illustrated in fig. 3. That is, these shapes may be any shapes as long as the functions of the respective members can be achieved. In addition, the material of each member may be selected to be most suitable in accordance with the purpose and function of each member.

Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of one side surface in the refrigerator. Fig. 4 corresponds to a view of a side surface opposite to the side surface in the refrigerator illustrated in fig. 3, viewed from obliquely above.

As described above, there are cases where the guide rail 13, the lever 14, and the arm 15 are provided in plural in the refrigerator (for example, on both side surfaces in the refrigerator). As illustrated in fig. 4, the guide rail 13b may be provided on the opposite side surface of the guide rail 13a, the lever 14c may be provided on the opposite side surface of the lever 14a, the lever 14d may be provided on the opposite side surface of the lever 14b, the arm 15c may be provided on the opposite side surface of the arm 15a, and the arm 15d may be provided on the opposite side surface of the arm 15 b.

Further, a variable distance mechanism may be provided on a side surface in the refrigerator. In this case, the variable distance mechanism may include a member that extends and contracts the distance between the opening 17 of the case 11 and the lid 12, such as the guide rail 13, the lever 14, and the arm 15. The refrigerator 10 may include a cover 12, a rail 13, a lever 14, and an arm 15 in the refrigerator.

(Structure in which the lid 12 contacts the case 11)

Fig. 5 is an enlarged schematic perspective view showing an example of essential parts of the lever 14a and the arm 15a, fig. 5 (a) shows a state where the cassette 11 is taken out, and fig. 5 (b) shows a state where the cassette 11 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 5, the lever 14a and the arm 15a are fitted to each other so that the lever 14a is rotatable. When the user puts in the cassette 11, a projection 18a (refer to fig. 6 described later) provided on a slide bar 19a (refer to fig. 6 described later) contacts the lever 14a, so that the lever 14a rotates (change from (a) to (b) of fig. 5). In contrast, when the user takes out the cartridge 11, the projection 18a is away from the lever 14a, and the lever 14a is reversed (change from (b) to (a) of the drawing).

As described above, the lever 14a rotates in conjunction with the taking in and out of the cassette 11, and the arm 15a moves up and down in accordance with the rotation of the lever 14 a. When the arm 15a moves up and down, the lid 12 fitted to the arm 15a opens and closes. That is, the user opens and closes the lid 12 in conjunction with the taking in and out of the cassette 11. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 can eliminate the need for the user to undertake the work of opening and closing the lid 12 on the box 11.

Fig. 6 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the operation of the lever 14, the arm 15, and the slide lever 19 in the refrigerator. Fig. 6 (a) shows a state in which the cartridge 11 is taken out, and fig. 6 (b) shows a state in which the cartridge 11 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 6, the projection 18b protrudes higher from the upper side of the slide rod 19a than the projection 18 a. In other words, the upper end portion of the projection 18b is located at a higher position than the upper end portion of the projection 18 a. In contrast, the lower end of the rod 14a is located at a lower position than the lower end of the rod 14 b.

Therefore, as illustrated in fig. 6 (b), when the cartridge 11 is put in, the lever 14a and the lever 14b contact the projection 18a and the projection 18b, respectively. On the other hand, as illustrated in fig. 6 (a), since there is a step between the upper end of the projection 18a and the lower end of the rod 14b, both of them do not come into contact when the cassette 11 is taken out.

In addition, for example, the rotatable angle of the lever 14b at the time of taking out the cassette 11 may be larger than that of the lever 14a (the movable regions of the plural levers may be different from each other). In this case, the width of the arm 15b moving up and down is larger than the width of the arm 15a moving up and down.

Thus, when the lid 12 is opened in conjunction with the removal of the cassette 11, the distance between the lid 12 and the opening 17 is increased toward the front side of the lid 12, and the lid 12 and the opening are separated from each other. That is, when the box 11 is taken out, the front side of the lid 12 is raised higher than the back side, and the front side of the opening 17 is exposed to a larger extent than the back side. Therefore, the refrigerator 10 can facilitate a user to put or take stored goods in or out.

Further, since the user takes in and out the case 11 by holding the front side of the case 11, the front side of the case 11 is more likely to receive vertical stress than the rear side. Here, if the distance between the box 11 and the lid 12 is made longer in the front than in the rear as described above by making the movable region of the lever 14 different, the refrigerator 10 can smoothly take out the box 11 without the user feeling that the box 11 is jammed when the box 11 is taken out. Further, since the refrigerator 10 can suppress a change in the distance between the box 11 and the lid 12 at the rear of the box 11, the load on the user when taking in and out the box 11 can be reduced.

(Effect of refrigerator 10)

The refrigerator 10 can suppress inflow and outflow of air when the cartridge is put in. Thereby, the refrigerator 10 can maintain the freshness of the stored goods received in the box.

(second embodiment)

A refrigerator 20 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to fig. 7 to 11. In the following description, the description overlapping with the other embodiments is omitted.

(constitution in refrigerator)

Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator. Fig. 7 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is taken out, fig. 7 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in, and fig. 7 (c) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 7, the refrigerator 20 includes a box 21, a cover 22, a guide rail 23, a gear 24, and an arm 25. The refrigerator 20 may further include, for example, a frame F and a gasket 26.

The cartridge 21 is a container which is freely taken out of and put into the refrigerator 20. The box 21 has an opening 27 for allowing the storage and taking out of the storage, and a slide bar 29 for allowing the box 21 to be taken out and put in by sliding while keeping contact with the guide rail 23. As illustrated in fig. 7, a plurality of slide bars 29 (a slide bar 29a and a slide bar 29b) may be provided on both side surfaces of the cassette 21.

The lid 22 is a lid that closes the opening 27 of the case 21. The cover 22 shortens a distance from the cartridge 21 as the cartridge 21 is put in, and contacts the cartridge 21 in a state where the cartridge 21 is stored in the refrigerator. Instead, the cover 22 is moved away from the cartridge 21 as the cartridge 21 is removed.

The guide rail 23 is a member that slidably supports the cassette 21. As illustrated in fig. 7, a plurality of rails 23 (rail 23a and rail 23b) may be provided on the frame F. In addition, a rotation hole a for passing the projection 28a when the gear 24c rotates may be provided on the guide rail 23a, and a rotation hole B for passing the projection 28B when the gear 24d rotates may be provided on the guide rail 23B (which will be described later with reference to fig. 10).

The gear 24 is a rotating member that intermeshes with the arm 25. In the present embodiment, as illustrated in fig. 7, the gear 24a and the gear 24b are engaged with the arm 25a and the arm 25b, respectively (which will be described later with reference to fig. 9). The gear 24 rotates in conjunction with the insertion of the cassette 21 and rotates in reverse in conjunction with the removal of the cassette in a state of being rotatably supported by the frame F.

Specifically, the gear 24a and the gear 24b mesh with the gear 24c and the gear 24d, respectively. Therefore, when the gear 24c and the gear 24d rotate in the clockwise direction in response to the cassette 21 being loaded, the gear 24a and the gear 24b rotate in the counterclockwise direction, respectively. Conversely, when the gear 24c and the gear 24d rotate in the counterclockwise direction in response to the removal of the cassette 21, the gear 24a and the gear 24b rotate in the clockwise direction, respectively.

In order to reinforce the counterclockwise rotation force of the

gears

24c and 24d, for example, an elastic member such as a spring (e.g., a torsion coil spring) may be provided on a shaft supporting the

gears

24c and 24 d.

Further, the gear 24 may be provided with a plurality of projections 28. For example, the gear 24c is provided with a projection 28a and a projection 28c, and the gear 24d is provided with a projection 28b and a projection 28 d. Further, a structure for linking the taking in and out of the cassette 21 with the rotation of the gear 24 will be described later with reference to fig. 8.

The arm 25 moves the cover 22 in accordance with the rotation of the gear 24. As described above, the gear 24a and the gear 24b are engaged with the arm 25a and the arm 25b, respectively. Therefore, when the gear 24a and the gear 24b rotate in response to the taking in and out of the cassette 21, the arm 25a and the arm 25b move up and down, respectively.

Since one end of the arm 25 is fitted to the edge of the cover 22, the cover 22 moves up and down when the arm 25 moves up and down. This allows the refrigerator 20 to open and close the lid 22 in conjunction with the taking in and out of the cartridge 21. Therefore, in the refrigerator 20, the inflow and outflow of air into and out of the inside of the box 21 can be suppressed, without the user having to undertake the task of removing the cover 22 from the box 21.

The frame F is a variable distance mechanism including a guide rail 23, a gear 24, an arm 25, and the like for extending and contracting the distance between the opening 27 of the cassette 21 and the cover 22. The frame F may be provided with a rotation stopper P of the gear 24c, a rotation stopper Q of the gear 24d, an upper and lower hole M of the arm 25a and a support K, and an upper and lower hole N of the arm 25b and a support L (see fig. 8). The frame F may be provided on one side or both sides of the refrigerator, for example.

The packing 26 is an elastic material that improves the airtightness of the cartridge 21 when the lid 22 contacts the opening 27.

Further, for example, the refrigerator 20 may have a spring (elastic body) having one end connected to the cover 22 and the other end connected to the frame F. In this case, in a state where the cartridge 21 is stored in the refrigerator, a force (elastic force by a spring) acts on at least one of the cover 22 and the cartridge 21 in a direction in which the cover 22 and the opening 27 of the cartridge 21 are away from each other. Thus, when the user pulls out the cartridge 21, the refrigerator 20 can rapidly release the state in which the cover 22 is in contact with the cartridge 21. Therefore, in the refrigerator 20, when the cartridge 21 is taken out, the cartridge 21 can be smoothly taken out without causing the user to feel jamming.

(Structure in which case 21 is in contact with cover 22)

Fig. 8 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of operations of the box 21, the cover 22, and the frame F in the refrigerator. Fig. 8 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is taken out, fig. 8 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in, and fig. 8 (c) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 8 (a), in the removed state of the cassette 21, the tips of the slide bars 29a and 29b do not contact the

projections

28a and 28 b. Further, since the projection 28c and the projection 28d contact the rotation stopper P and the rotation stopper Q, respectively, the gear 24c and the gear 24d are stationary in a state where the projection 28a and the projection 28B are projected from the rotation hole a and the rotation hole B, respectively (hereinafter, this state is referred to as an "initial state").

As illustrated in fig. 8 (b), when the slide bars 29a and 29b slide on the

guide rails

23a and 23b, respectively, during the process of loading the cassette 21, the tips of the slide bars 29a and 29b contact the

projections

28a and 28b, respectively. When the slide bar 29a and the slide bar 29b slide further to the back side from this state, the

projections

28a and 28b are pushed in to the back side by the tip ends, and the gear 24c and the gear 24d rotate in the clockwise direction, respectively. Then, the gear 24a and the gear 24b rotate counterclockwise by the rotation, and the arm 25a and the arm 25b engaged therewith descend, respectively.

As illustrated in fig. 8 (c), when the cassette 21 is loaded, the slide bars 29a and 29b press the

projections

28a and 28b to prevent the

gears

24c and 24d from rotating. At this time, the arm 25a and the arm 25b are lowered, respectively, and the cover 22 is brought into contact with the cassette 21.

As illustrated in fig. 8 (a) to (c), when the user puts in the cartridge 21, the cover 22 contacts the cartridge 21 to cover the cartridge 21 in conjunction with the putting. Thereby, the refrigerator 20 can suppress the inflow and outflow of air to and from the inside of the box 21 without increasing the user's trouble of covering the box 21 with the cover 22.

Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a relationship between the gear and the arm, fig. 9 (a) shows a relationship between the gear 24a, the gear 24c, and the arm 25a, and fig. 9 (b) shows a relationship between the gear 24b, the gear 24d, and the arm 25 b.

As illustrated in fig. 9 (a), the gear 24a may be a 2-stage gear. That is, for example, the gear 24a is provided with two gears (hereinafter, referred to as "outer gear" and "inner gear") having different numbers of teeth on the outer side and the inner side, and the two gears rotate at the same speed and in the same direction. Then, the gear 24c meshes with the outer gear, and the inner gear meshes with the arm 25 a. On the other hand, as illustrated in fig. 9 (b), the gear 24b and the gear 24d having the same diameter and the same number of gears mesh with each other, and the gear 24b and the arm 25b mesh with each other.

As illustrated in fig. 9 (a) and (b), since the number of teeth of the inner gear is larger than that of the other gears, the number of teeth of the arm 25a meshing with the inner gear is also larger than that of the arm 25 b. Therefore, when the gear 24a and the gear 24b rotate, the arm 25a moves more than the arm 25 b.

That is, when the cartridge 21 is taken out, the cartridge 21 and the cover 22 are separated from each other so that the distance between the cover 22 and the opening 27 becomes larger toward the front side of the cover 22 in accordance with the taking out. In other words, the front side of the cover 22 is raised higher than the back side, and the front side of the opening 27 is exposed more than the back side. Therefore, the refrigerator 20 can facilitate a user to store and take out the stored goods. Even in the case where the diameter of the gear 24d is larger than that of the gear 24c, the refrigerator 20 can achieve the same effect as the above-described effect.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged schematic perspective view showing an example of a main portion of each member included in the frame F. Fig. 10 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is taken out, and fig. 10 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 10 (a), the movable members such as the gear 24b, the gear 24d, the arm 25b, and the like are stationary in the initial state.

As illustrated in fig. 10 (b), as the cassette 21 is put in, the front end of the slide bar 29b contacts the projection 28 b. Therefore, the gear 24d rotates in the clockwise direction, and the gear 24b meshing with the gear 24d rotates in the counterclockwise direction. Thus, the arm 25b engaged with the gear 24b is lowered and the cover 22 is also lowered, so that the distance between the cassette 21 and the cover 22 can be shortened.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view of the case 21 and the cover 22. Fig. 11 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is taken out, fig. 11 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in, and fig. 11 (c) shows a state where the cartridge 21 is put in. In addition, in fig. 11 (a) to (c), the left side of the figure corresponds to the front side of the refrigerator 20.

As illustrated in fig. 11 (a) to (c), the gasket 26 is provided on the entire peripheral edge of the cover 22. Then, when the cover 22 contacts the case 21, the packing 26 is adsorbed substantially on the entire periphery of the opening portion 27. This can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 20 when the cover 22 covers the cartridge 21.

(Effect of refrigerator 20)

The refrigerator 20 can suppress inflow and outflow of air when the cartridge is put in. Thereby, the refrigerator 20 can maintain the freshness of the stored goods received in the box.

(example 3)

A refrigerator 30 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is explained based on fig. 12. In the following description, the description overlapping with the other embodiments is omitted.

(inner structure of refrigerator)

Fig. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an example of the configuration in the refrigerator. Fig. 12 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 31 is taken out, and fig. 12 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 31 is put in.

As illustrated in fig. 12, the refrigerator 30 includes a box 31, a cover 32, and a rail 33. The refrigerator 30 may further include a gasket 36, for example.

The cartridge 31 is a container which is freely taken out from and put into the refrigerator 30. The cartridge 31 has: an opening 37 through which a stored material (for example, fresh food such as vegetables) can be stored and taken out; a slide bar 39 which slides while keeping contact with the guide rail 33 so that the cassette 31 can be taken in and out; wheels 34 which facilitate the entry and exit of the cassette 31.

The lid 32 is a lid that closes the opening 37 of the cartridge 31. The cover 32 is shortened in distance from the cartridge 31 as the cartridge 31 is put in, and contacts the cartridge 31 in a state where the cartridge 31 is stored in the refrigerator. Thus, the refrigerator 30 suppresses the inflow and outflow of air to and from the inside of the box 31 without increasing the user's trouble of covering the box 31 with the cover 32. At this time, the cover 32 may contact the entire outer periphery of the opening 37 of the cartridge 31. This can improve the airtightness of the refrigerator 30 when the lid 32 covers the cartridge 31. The lid 32 is configured as an upper surface in the refrigerator.

The guide rail 33 is a member that slidably supports the cartridge 31. As illustrated in fig. 12, a plurality of guide rails 33 (

guide rails

33a and 33b) may be provided on a side surface in the refrigerator. In addition, the guide rail 33 may be provided at two or more sides of the refrigerator.

As illustrated in fig. 12, hook-shaped projections are provided on the guide rail 33b and the slide bar 39b, respectively. Thus, the refrigerator 30 can prevent the cartridge 31 from falling off.

The packing 36 is an elastic material that improves the airtightness of the cartridge 31 when the lid 32 contacts the opening 37.

(Structure in which the lid 32 contacts the case 31)

As illustrated in fig. 12, the guide rail 33a and the guide rail 33b each have an inclination (inclined portion). Then, the lid 32 is moved along the

guide rails

33a and 33b in the above-described inclination by the cassette 31, thereby shortening the distance between the opening 37 and the lid 32 and coming into contact with the cassette 31.

That is, when the cassette 31 starts to be put in, the slide bar 39b slides on the guide rail 33 b. When the cassette 31 is put in to some extent, the slide bar 39a starts to slide further on the guide rail 33 a. Then, the slide bars 39a and 39b rise along the slopes provided on the

guide rails

33a and 33b, respectively, so that the cassette 31 is lifted up. When the cartridge 31 is put into the rear side, the cartridge 31 and the lid 32 come into contact with each other, and the lid 32 closes the opening 37.

In addition, in the case where the refrigerator 30 is provided with the packing 36, since the refrigerator 30 can bring the cover 32 into contact with the opening 37 of the cartridge 31 more sufficiently, the inflow and outflow of air into and out of the inside of the cartridge 31 can be further suppressed.

Conversely, when the cassette 31 is taken out, the slide bars 39a and 39 are lowered along the above-described inclination, and the cassette 31 is moved away from the cover 32. At this time, when the lid 32 is separated in conjunction with the removal of the cartridge 31, the cartridge 31 and the lid 32 are separated from each other and the front side of the lid 32 starts to be separated before the rear side, so that the distance between the lid 32 and the opening 37 becomes larger toward the front side of the lid 32. That is, when the cartridge 31 is taken out, the front side of the opening 37 is exposed more than the back side. Therefore, the refrigerator 30 can facilitate a user to store and take out the stored goods.

In addition, in a state where the cartridge 31 is stored in the refrigerator, a force (the self weight of the cartridge 31) acts on at least one of the lid 32 and the cartridge 31 in a direction in which the lid 32 and the opening 37 of the cartridge 31 are away from each other. Thus, when the user pulls out the cartridge 31, the refrigerator 30 can rapidly release the state in which the cover 32 is in contact with the cartridge 31. Therefore, in the refrigerator 30, when the cartridge 31 is taken out, the cartridge 31 can be smoothly taken out without causing the user to feel jamming.

(Effect of refrigerator 30)

The refrigerator 30 can suppress inflow and outflow of air at the time of cassette insertion. Thereby, the refrigerator 30 can maintain the freshness of the stored goods received in the box.

(example 4)

A refrigerator 40 according to embodiment 4 of the present disclosure is explained based on fig. 13. In the following description, the description overlapping with the other embodiments is omitted.

Fig. 13 is a sectional view showing an example of the structure in the refrigerator. Fig. 13 (a) shows a state where the cartridge 41 is taken out, fig. 13 (b) shows a state where the cartridge 41 is put in, and fig. 13 (c) shows a cross section (a cross section of the cartridge 41 viewed from above) different from the cross section shown in fig. 13 (b).

As illustrated in fig. 13, the refrigerator 40 includes a box 41, a cover 42, a spring 44, a rotary arm 45, and a rotary shaft 46.

The cartridge 41 is a container that is freely taken out of and put into the refrigerator 40. The case 41 has an opening 47 to allow the storage to be accessed, and a protrusion 48, the protrusion 48 contacting one end of the rotating arm 45 when the case 41 is put in. As illustrated in fig. 13, a plurality of projections 48 (projection 48a and projection 48b) may be provided on the case 41.

The lid 42 closes the opening 47 of the case 41. The cover 42 is brought into contact with the cartridge 41 in a state where the cartridge 41 is accommodated in the refrigerator, by shortening a distance from the cartridge 41 as the cartridge 41 is put in. Instead, the cover 42 is moved away from the cassette 41 as the cassette 41 is removed.

More specifically, the cover 42 is rotated by the rotating arm 45 to change an angle formed by the cover 42 and the rotating arm 45 and change an area in contact with the cassette 41. Thereby, the refrigerator 40 can suppress the inflow and outflow of air to and from the inside of the box 41 without increasing the user's trouble of covering the box 41 with the cover 42.

The spring 44 is an elastic body that expands and contracts in conjunction with the movement of the cassette 41 into and out of the refrigerator. One end of the spring 44 is fixed inside the refrigerator, and the other end is connected to the rotating arm 45.

The rotation arm 45 is connected to the cover 42 and rotates in conjunction with the insertion of the cassette 41. That is, when the cartridge 41 is put in, the rotating arm 45 rotates around the rotating shaft 46 due to the protrusion 48 provided on the cartridge 41 pressing one end of the rotating arm 45. Thereby, the angle formed by the cover 42 and the rotating arm 45 is changed, and the area contacting the case 41 is changed.

The rotation shaft 46 is a shaft fixed to a side surface inside the refrigerator and supports the rotation arm 45.

As illustrated in fig. 13 (c), a plurality of springs 44, a rotation arm 45, a rotation shaft 46, and a protrusion 48 are provided.

(Effect of refrigerator 40)

The refrigerator 40 can suppress inflow and outflow of air at the time of cassette insertion. Thereby, the refrigerator 40 can maintain the freshness of the stored goods received in the box.

(Note attached)

A refrigerator according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a lid portion that closes an opening of a cartridge that can be placed in the refrigerator, the lid portion being configured to reduce a distance from the cartridge as the cartridge is placed in the refrigerator, and to come into contact with the cartridge in a state where the cartridge is stored in the refrigerator.

In the refrigerator according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect, in a state where the cartridge is housed in the refrigerator, a force acts on at least one of the lid and the cartridge in a direction in which the lid and the opening of the cartridge are separated from each other.

In the refrigerator according to the third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first or second aspect, a rotating member that rotates in conjunction with insertion of the cartridge and an arm that connects the lid and the rotating member and moves the lid pair in accordance with rotation of the rotating member are further provided in the refrigerator, and the lid moves the lid by the arm to shorten the distance and comes into contact with the cartridge.

In the refrigerator according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, the cartridge has a protrusion that contacts the rotating member when the cartridge is put in, and the rotating member rotates by contacting the protrusion.

In the refrigerator according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the third aspect, the rotating member is a gear that meshes with the arm that moves the lid portion in accordance with rotation of the gear.

A refrigerator according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigerator according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, further comprising a rail having an inclined portion in the refrigerator, wherein the lid portion is configured to contact the cartridge while shortening the distance by moving the cartridge on the inclined portion along the rail.

A refrigerator according to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure is the refrigerator according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, further comprising a rotary arm connected to the lid section and rotating in conjunction with insertion of the cartridge, wherein the lid section is rotated by the rotary arm to change an angle formed by the lid section and the rotary arm and change an area in contact with the cartridge.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope shown in the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Further, by combining the technical means disclosed in the respective embodiments, new technical features can be formed.

Claims

1. A refrigerator is characterized in that the refrigerator is provided with a cover part which closes an opening part of a box which can be put into the refrigerator, the cover part shortens the distance between the cover part and the box along with the putting of the box, and the cover part is contacted with the box under the state that the box is put into the refrigerator.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1, wherein a force is applied to at least one of the cover and the cartridge in a direction in which the cover and the opening of the cartridge are separated from each other in a state in which the cartridge is housed in the refrigerator.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a rotating member rotating in conjunction with the insertion of the cartridge and an arm connecting the cover and the rotating member and moving the cover according to the rotation of the rotating member, wherein the cover is moved by the arm to shorten the distance and is in contact with the cartridge.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the cartridge has a protrusion contacting the rotation member when the cartridge is put in, and the rotation member rotates by contacting the protrusion.

5. The refrigerator of claim 3, wherein the rotating member is a gear engaged with the arm, and the arm moves the cover portion according to rotation of the gear.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a guide rail having an inclined portion in the refrigerator, wherein the cover portion is configured to shorten the distance by moving the cartridge on the inclined portion along the guide rail and to contact the cartridge.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a rotating arm connected to the cover and rotating in conjunction with insertion of the cartridge, wherein the cover is rotated by the rotating arm to change an angle formed by the cover and the rotating arm and change an area in contact with the cartridge.