CN112797701B

CN112797701B - Refrigerator with a door

Info

Publication number: CN112797701B
Application number: CN202010862306.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 岩元浩二; 秋吉浩一; 松永健吾
Original assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Current assignee: Toshiba Lifestyle Products and Services Corp
Priority date: 2019-11-13
Filing date: 2020-08-25
Publication date: 2023-04-07
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-25
Also published as: JP2021076351A; JP7449675B2; CN112797701A

Abstract

A refrigerator includes a refrigerator main body, a door, a first wall portion, a second wall portion, a concave-convex engaging portion, a rail portion, a door container, and an engaging mechanism. The concave-convex engagement portion has a concave portion and a convex portion. The recess is open. The convex portion is adjacent to the concave portion in the vertical direction. The convex part protrudes. The concave-convex clamping part is arranged on the first wall body part and the second wall body part respectively. The door container is movable in the vertical direction between the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The clamping mechanisms are arranged at two side parts of the door container. The engaging mechanism is opposed to the concave-convex engaging portion. The engaging mechanism can engage with the concave-convex engaging portion.

Description

Refrigerator with a door

The present application claims priority based on japanese patent application No. 2019-205660 filed in japan on 11/13/2019, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a refrigerator.

Background

It is known that a door of a storage chamber in a refrigerator is provided with a door storage compartment (door container) which can be attached and detached. It is desirable for the door stocker to facilitate the change of the arrangement position.

Patent document 1: japanese patent No. 5511734

Patent document 2: japanese patent No. 5656751

Disclosure of Invention

The invention provides a refrigerator which is easy to change the arrangement of a door container.

The refrigerator of the embodiment comprises a refrigerator main body, a door, a first wall part, a second wall part, a concave-convex clamping part, a track part, a door container and a clamping mechanism. The refrigerator main body includes a storage chamber. The door closes the storage chamber in an openable and closable manner. The first wall portion protrudes from the inner surface portion of the door in a first direction toward the storage compartment, and extends in a vertical direction. The second wall portion protrudes from the inner surface portion in the first direction and extends in the up-down direction. The second wall portion faces the first wall portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The concave-convex engagement portion has a concave portion and a convex portion. The recess is open. The convex portion is adjacent to the concave portion in the up-down direction. The convex portion protrudes. The concave-convex clamping parts are respectively arranged on the first wall body part and the second wall body part. The door container is movable in the vertical direction between the first wall part and the second wall part. The clamping mechanisms are arranged at two side parts of the door container. The engaging mechanism is opposed to the concave-convex engaging portion. The engaging mechanism can engage with the concave-convex engaging portion.

Effects of the invention

The refrigerator of the invention can easily change the arrangement of the door container.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a refrigerator of an embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line F2-F2 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a right refrigerating compartment door in the embodiment.

Fig. 4A is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface part of the right refrigerating compartment door in the embodiment.

Fig. 4B is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface part of the right refrigerating compartment door in the embodiment.

Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line F5-F5 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 4A.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion F6 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line F7-F7 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 4A.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the door container in the embodiment.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the door container shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a holding portion of the engaging mechanism in the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line F11-F11 of the door container shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line F12-F12 of the door container shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a holding member of the click mechanism in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line F14-F14 of the door container shown in fig. 8.

Fig. 15A is a perspective view illustrating a reinforcement cover in a refrigerator of an embodiment.

Fig. 15B is a perspective view illustrating a reinforcement cover in a refrigerator of the embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a perspective view illustrating a cap member of the engaging mechanism in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a rear view of the cap member shown in fig. 16, viewed from the direction of the F17 arrow.

Fig. 18 is a side view of the cap member shown in fig. 16, as viewed from the direction of the F18 arrow.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view illustrating a locked state of a door container in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

Fig. 20 is a sectional view illustrating a lock released state of a door container in the refrigerator of the embodiment.

Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an attaching and detaching operation of a door container in the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

Fig. 22 is a sectional view illustrating an attaching and detaching operation of a door container in the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

Description of the reference numerals

1 \ 8230and refrigerator; 11 \ 8230door; 11Aa \8230, a left refrigerating chamber door (door); 11Ab, 31, 32 \8230, right refrigerating chamber door (door); 27\8230anda storage room; 27A 8230and a refrigerating chamber; 53, 8230a rear surface member; 53a, 53b 8230and an inner surface portion; 56 \ 8230a box (door container); 56A, 56Aa, 56Ab \8230afirst case (door container); 56B 8230a second box (door container); 56C 8230and a third box (door container); 56d 8230and a first side wall (holding groove); 56e \8230asecond sidewall portion (retaining groove); 57. 57L, 57R, 57La, 57Lb, 57Lc, 87L, 87R \8230alocking protrusion; 58. 58L, 58R, 98L, 98R \8230alocking part (clamping mechanism); 58e 8230and a mounting part; 58b 8230a first guide plate (holding groove); 58c 8230a second guide plate (holding groove); 58h 8230and guide protrusions (concave-convex embedded structure); 60. 60L, 60R 8230a clamping mechanism; 61A, 61B, 61C \8230arib (first wall body part, second wall body part); 61b 8230and a flat surface portion (convex portion); 61c, 67c 8230, recessed groove portions (recesses); 66. 64A, 64Ba, 64Bc, 64C 823030and a track part; E. ea, eb, ec \ 8230and a concave-convex clamping part; 70 \ 8230and a cover (reinforcing cover); 71 8230a sliding member (engaging portion); 71a, 91a \ 8230a convex clamping part; 71p 8230and a guide groove (concave-convex embedded structure); 71i 8230a hole portion (first guide hole); 71A \ 8230a sliding member (cap member); 71B 8230and a lever; 72 \ 8230and an elastic member (compression coil spring); 72a 8230, a front end portion (first end portion); 72b \8230abase end part (second end part); 73 \ 8230a clamping and retaining member (retaining member); 73a 8230; a cylindrical portion (second guide hole); f8230and finger; s, sm and Sp \8230andside face.

Detailed Description

Hereinafter, a refrigerator according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to structures having the same or similar functions. For example, members having a shape symmetrical to each other may be given the same reference numerals. Further, a repetitive description of these structures may be omitted.

In this specification, the upper, lower, left and right sides are defined with reference to a direction in which a user standing on the front side of the refrigerator views the refrigerator unless otherwise specified. Also, a side close to a user standing on the front side of the refrigerator as viewed from the refrigerator is defined as "front", and a far side is defined as "rear". In the present specification, "widthwise direction" means the left-right direction in the above definition. In the present specification, the "depth direction" means the front-rear direction in the above definition. The "up-down direction" means a height direction of the refrigerator.

In the figure, the arrow lines indicate that the + X direction is the right direction, the-X direction is the left direction, the + Y direction is the rear direction, the-Y direction is the front direction, the + Z direction is the upper direction, and the-Z direction is the lower direction.

A refrigerator 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to fig. 1 to 22. First, the overall structure of the refrigerator 1 will be explained. However, the refrigerator 1 need not have all the structures described below, and some of the structures may be omitted as appropriate.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a refrigerator 1. Fig. 2 is a sectional view taken along line F2-F2 of the refrigerator 1 shown in fig. 1. As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the refrigerator 1 includes, for example, a casing 10, a plurality of doors 11, a plurality of shelves 12, a plurality of containers 13, a flow path forming member 14, a cooling unit 15, and a control board 16. In the present embodiment, the refrigerator main body 5 is formed by the above-described structure other than the plurality of doors 11.

As shown in fig. 2, the outer case 10 includes, for example, an inner case 10a, an outer case 10b, and a foamed heat insulating material 10c. The inner case 10a is a member forming the inner surface of the outer case 10, and is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The outer case 10b is a member forming the outer surface of the outer case 10, and is made of metal, for example. The outer box 10b is formed to be one step larger than the inner box 10a and is disposed outside the inner box 10 a. The foamed heat insulating material 10c is a foamed heat insulating material such as foamed polyurethane, and is filled between the inner casing 10a and the outer casing 10 b. Thereby, the case 10 has heat insulation.

As shown in fig. 1, the housing 10 has an upper wall 21, a lower wall 22, left and

right side walls

23, 24, and a rear wall 25. The upper wall 21 and the lower wall 22 expand substantially horizontally. The left and

right side walls

23, 24 rise upward from the left and right end portions of the lower wall 22 and are connected to the left and right end portions of the upper wall 21. The rear wall 25 rises upward from the rear end of the lower wall 22 and is connected to the rear end of the upper wall 21.

A plurality of storage chambers 27 are provided inside the housing 10. The plurality of storage compartments 27 include, for example, a refrigerating compartment 27A, a vegetable compartment 27B, an ice making compartment 27C, a small freezing compartment 27D, and a main freezing compartment 27E. In the present embodiment, refrigerating room 27A is disposed at the uppermost portion, vegetable room 27B is disposed below refrigerating room 27A, ice making room 27C and small freezing room 27D are disposed below vegetable room 27B, and main freezing room 27E is disposed below ice making room 27C and small freezing room 27D. However, the arrangement of storage compartment 27 is not limited to the above example, and for example, ice making compartment 27C and small freezing compartment 27D may be arranged below refrigerating compartment 27A, main freezing compartment 27E may be arranged below ice making compartment 27C and small freezing compartment 27D, and vegetable compartment 27B may be arranged below main freezing compartment 27E. The housing 10 has openings on the front surface side of the storage chambers 27 so that the food can be taken into and out of the storage chambers 27.

The openings of the storage chambers 27 are openably and closably closed by the doors 11. The plurality of doors 11 include, for example, a left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa and a right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab that close the opening of the refrigerating chamber 27A, a vegetable chamber door 11B that closes the opening of the vegetable chamber 27B, an ice making chamber door 11C that closes the opening of the ice making chamber 27C, a small freezing chamber door 11D that closes the opening of the small freezing chamber 27D, and a main freezing chamber door 11E that closes the opening of the main freezing chamber 27E.

The left and right refrigerating chamber doors 11Aa and 11Ab provided adjacent to each other on the left and right sides are, for example, split doors. The left and right refrigerating chamber doors 11Aa and 11Ab are rotatably supported by the casing 10 via hinges 30, for example. The left and right refrigerating chamber doors 11Aa and 11Ab close the storage chamber 27 so as to be openable and closable.

In the present embodiment, the width of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab in the lateral width direction is larger than the width of the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa in the lateral width direction.

Although not shown in the drawings, in the present embodiment, an operation/display region of the operation panel unit may be provided on a surface of at least one of the left refrigerating compartment door 11Aa and the right refrigerating compartment door 11 Ab.

The detailed structure of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab will be described later.

On the other hand, the vegetable compartment door 11B, the ice-making compartment door 11C, the freezer compartment door 11D, and the main freezer compartment door 11E are, for example, drawer type doors. The vegetable compartment door 11B, the ice-making compartment door 11C, the freezer compartment door 11D, and the main freezer compartment door 11E are supported by rails 35 (only the rail 35 on the left is shown in the vegetable compartment 27B and the main freezer compartment 27E) so as to be extractable with respect to the housing 10.

As shown in fig. 2, the housing 10 has a first partition 28 and a second partition 29. The first partition 28 and the second partition 29 are, for example, partition walls each extending in a substantially horizontal direction. First partition 28 is located between refrigerating compartment 27A and vegetable compartment 27B, and partitions refrigerating compartment 27A and vegetable compartment 27B. On the other hand, second partition 29 is located between vegetable compartment 27B and ice making compartment 27C and small freezing compartment 27D, and partitions vegetable compartment 27B and ice making compartment 27C and small freezing compartment 27D. In addition, no partition wall is provided between ice making compartment 27C and small freezing compartment 27D and main freezing compartment 27E.

Shelf plates 12 are disposed in refrigerating compartment 27A.

The plurality of containers 13 includes: refrigerating room container 13A (for example, a chilling room container) disposed in refrigerating room 27A, first and second vegetable room containers 13Ba and 13Bb disposed in vegetable room 27B, an ice making room container (not shown) disposed in ice making room 27C, small freezing room container 13D disposed in small freezing room 27D, and first and second main freezing room containers 13Ea and 13Eb disposed in main freezing room 27E.

The flow path forming member 14 is disposed in the housing 10. The flow passage forming member 14 includes, for example, a first duct member 14A and a second duct member 14B. The first duct member 14A is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, and extends in the up-down direction. A first duct space S1, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is formed between the first duct member 14A and the rear wall 25 of the casing 10. First duct member 14A has a plurality of cold air outlets h1 opening in refrigerating room 27A and a cold air return port h2 opening in vegetable room 27B. The second duct member 14B is provided along the rear wall 25 of the housing 10, and extends in the up-down direction. A second duct space S2, which is a passage through which cold air (air) flows, is provided between the second duct member 14B and the rear wall 25 of the casing 10. Second duct member 14B has a plurality of cold air blow-out openings h3 that open to ice making chamber 27C and small freezing chamber 27D, and a cold air return opening h4 that opens to main freezing chamber 27E.

The cooling unit 15 includes a first cooling unit 15A, a second cooling unit 15B, and a compressor 45.

First cooling unit 15A cools the air returned from vegetable compartment 27B through cold air return opening h2, and blows the air out from the plurality of cold air outlets h1 toward refrigerating compartment 27A. As a result, cold air circulates through refrigerating room 27A and vegetable room 27B, and refrigerating room 27A and vegetable room 27B are cooled.

Second cooling unit 15B cools the air returned from main freezer 27E through cold air return opening h4, and blows the air from cold air outlet h3 toward ice making compartment 27C, small freezer 27D, and main freezer 27E. This causes air to circulate through ice making compartment 27C, small freezing compartment 27D, and main freezing compartment 27E, thereby cooling ice making compartment 27C, small freezing compartment 27D, and main freezing compartment 27E.

The compressor 45 is provided in a machine room at the bottom of the refrigerator 1, for example. The compressor 45 compresses a refrigerant gas used for cooling the storage chamber 27. The refrigerant gas compressed by the compressor 45 is sent to the first cooling unit 15A and the second cooling unit 15B through a heat pipe or the like.

The control board 16 comprehensively controls the entire refrigerator 1. For example, control board 16 controls the operations of first cooling unit 15A, second cooling unit 15B, and compressor 45 based on the detection results of temperature sensors provided in refrigerating room 27A, main freezing room 27E, and the like.

Next, the detailed structure of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab will be described.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the right refrigerating compartment door 11 Ab. The right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab includes, for example, an outer member 50 and a seal 55. The outer shell member 50 is formed in a box shape. The term "box-like" as used herein also includes a flat box-like shape. The outer frame member 50 includes, for example, a frame 51, a front plate 52 (see fig. 1), and a rear member 53.

On the inner surface side of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab, detachably mounted are: a plurality of cassettes 56 (door containers) whose arrangement positions are movable in the vertical direction and a cassette 59 whose arrangement position is fixed in the vertical direction are provided.

The number of the cartridges 56 is not particularly limited. In the example shown in fig. 3, the cassettes 56 include a first cassette 56A (door container), a second cassette 56B (door container), and a third cassette 56C (door container).

The cartridge 59 is disposed near the rib 61G at the lower end of the rear surface member 53.

The frame body 51 is formed in a rectangular frame shape. The frame 51 includes an upper member 51a, a lower member 51b, a left member 51c, and a right member 51d. The upper member 51a has a plate shape extending in the lateral width direction and the depth direction, and forms an upper surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The lower member 51b has a plate shape extending in the lateral width direction and the depth direction, and forms the lower surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The left member 51c has a plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the depth direction, and forms the left side surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The right member 51d has a plate shape extending in the vertical direction and the depth direction, and forms the right side surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The upper member 51a, the lower member 51b, the left member 51c, and the right member 51d are combined with each other to form the frame 51. The frame 51 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

The front panel 52 (see fig. 1) is attached to the frame 51 and is positioned at the front end of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The front panel 52 is a panel member extending in the vertical direction and the lateral width direction, and forms the front surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The front surface plate 52 is, for example, a glass plate. However, the front surface plate 52 is not limited to a glass plate, and may be formed of synthetic resin or other materials.

The front surface plate 52 may be a flat plate or a curved plate. Hereinafter, an example in which the front surface plate 52 is a flat plate will be described.

The rear surface member 53 is attached to the frame 51 from the side opposite to the front surface plate 52, and is positioned at the rear end of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The outer shape of the rear surface member 53 viewed from the-Y direction is rectangular along the frame body 51. The rear surface part 53 forms a rear surface of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. The rear surface member 53 is made of, for example, synthetic resin.

The rear surface member 53 has: along the planar

inner surface portions

53a, 53b of the front surface plate 52; and ribs 61 projecting rearward from the

inner surface portions

53a, 53 b. In the example shown in fig. 3, the

inner surface portions

53a, 53b are parallel to the front surface plate 52.

In a state where right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab is closed with respect to casing 10, rib 61 protrudes in the + Y direction (first direction) toward refrigerating compartment 27A (storage compartment) from frame 51 and

inner surface portions

53a and 53 b.

In the present description, the term "rib" is a name for convenience of description, and broadly means a portion projecting rearward from the rear surface member 53, and is not limited to a specific shape or function.

The rib 61 includes, for example, an annular rib group that is smaller than the outer shape of the frame 51. In the present specification, the "ring-like shape" is not limited to a case where the ring-like shape is completely continuous over the entire circumference, and includes a case where the ring-like shape is partially broken by providing a notch or the like.

The annular rib group of the ribs 61 includes a rib 61F extending in the lateral width direction along the upper member 51A, a rib 61G extending in the lateral width direction along the lower member 51b,

ribs

61C and 61E extending in the vertical direction along the left member 51C, and

ribs

61A and 61D extending in the vertical direction along the right member 51D.

The rib 61 includes a rib 61B extending in the vertical direction between the

ribs

61A and 61C in the lateral width direction, in addition to the annular rib group.

The rib 61 protrudes rearward to a relatively large extent. For example, the amount of protrusion of the rearward-facing rib 61 is equal to or more than half the thickness of the outer shell member 50 in the depth direction excluding the rib 61. In the present embodiment, the protruding amount of the rib 61 is larger than the depth-direction thickness of the outer shell member 50 excluding the rib 61.

Although not shown in the drawings, a foam heat insulating material is filled between the rear surface member 53 and the front surface plate 52 and inside the convex shape of the rib 61. As the foamed heat insulating material disposed on the back side of the rear surface member 53, the same material as the above-described foamed heat insulating material 10c can be used.

The above-described annular rib group of ribs 61 is provided mainly for suppressing escape of cold air in refrigerating room 27A (storage compartment) from the gap between right refrigerating room door 11Ab and outer case 10.

The seal 55 is mounted to the rear surface member 53. Specifically, the rear surface member 53 has a recess, i.e., a slot 63, which is recessed toward the inside of the right refrigerating chamber door 11 Ab. For example, the slit 63 is formed in a ring shape surrounding the outer peripheral side of the rib 61.

The seal 55 has a seal main body 55a and a seal mounting portion 55b. The seal main body 55a is formed in a ring shape surrounding the outer peripheral side of the rib 61. The seal main body 55a is sandwiched between the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab and the housing 10 (or between the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab and a rotation partition plate (not shown)) when the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab is closed with respect to the housing 10, and blocks a gap between the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab and the housing 10 (or between the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab and the rotation partition plate). The packing mounting portion 55b is inserted into the inside of the slot 63 provided in the rear surface member 53 of the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab, thereby being mounted to the slot 63. Thereby, the seal 55 is fixed to the rear surface member 53.

The seal 55 is provided to seal so that cold air in the refrigerating chamber 27A (storage chamber) does not leak to the outside from between the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab and the casing 10 when the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab is closed.

Here, the detailed structure of the rear surface member 53 will be described.

Fig. 4A, 4B are perspective views illustrating a rear surface part of the right refrigerating compartment door in the embodiment. Fig. 4A and 4B are different only in the direction of observation. Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line F5-F5 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 4A. Fig. 6 is an enlarged view of a portion F6 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 5. Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along line F7-F7 of the refrigerator shown in fig. 4A.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the inner surface portion 53a is formed in a range of about two thirds from the upper end of the rear surface member 53. The inner surface portion 53b is located slightly on the + Y direction side with respect to the inner surface portion 53 a. The inner surface portion 53b is connected to the lower end of the inner surface portion 53a via a stepped portion.

As shown in fig. 4A, the rib 61A protrudes from the end of the inner surface portion 53a in the + X direction toward the + Y direction. The rib 61A extends from the rib 61F to the position of the boundary portion of the

inner surface portions

53a, 53b in the vertical direction.

A protruding portion 61A is formed on the front end portion of the rib 61A in the protruding direction toward the + X direction side. The protruding portions 61A protrude in the same direction as the ribs 61A, and are formed over the entire length of the ribs 61A in the vertical direction. The protruding portions 61A form the foremost ends of the ribs 61A in the projecting direction.

In contrast, the front end of the rib 61F in the protruding direction is retracted in the-Y direction from the rib 61A. Therefore, when viewed from above, a U-shaped opening that opens in the + Y direction is formed between the

ribs

61A and 61B. The same applies to the

ribs

61C and 61B.

In the example shown in fig. 4A, the amount of protrusion of the rib 61F from the inner surface portion 53a is about half the amount of protrusion of the rib 61A from the inner surface portion 53 a. The amount of protrusion of the rib 61F may be larger than the amount of protrusion described above as long as it does not hinder attachment and detachment of the first case 56A and the second case 56B described below.

At the front end in the protruding direction of the rib 61A, a flat surface portion 61b is formed at a position lower than the front end in the protruding direction of the ridge 61A (position on the-X direction side) than the ridge 61A. The flat surface portion 61b is flat and parallel to the inner surface portion 53 a.

The flat surface portion 61b is formed over the entire length of the rib 61A in the vertical direction, similarly to the protruding portion 61A.

The flat surface portion 61b is formed with a plurality of groove portions 61c (concave portions) at intervals in the vertical direction. Therefore, at the front end portion of the rib 61A in the projecting direction, the flat surface portions 61b and the recessed portions 61c are formed alternately in the vertical direction on the-X direction side with respect to the ridge portions 61A. The flat surface portion 61b and the groove portion 61c form the concave-convex engaging portion E as a whole. Hereinafter, the concave-convex engagement portion E of the rib 61A will be referred to as a concave-convex engagement portion Ea when it is clearly shown.

The recessed portion 61c is a recessed portion in the concave-convex engagement portion E. The flat surface portions 61b are opposing convex portions in the concave-convex engaging portion E. The flat surface portion 61b constitutes a tip of a convex portion protruding in the + Y direction with respect to a groove bottom portion 61f of a groove portion 61c described later.

The shape of the recessed groove 61c is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape capable of engaging with an engagement portion in a clamping mechanism described later.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the groove portion 61c has a V shape that opens in the + Y direction when viewed in the lateral width direction. More specifically, as shown in fig. 6, the groove portion 61c includes a lower bent portion 61d, a lower engaging portion 61e, a groove bottom portion 61f, an upper engaging portion 61g, and an upper bent portion 61h.

The lower bent portion 61d is bent outward in a convex arc shape from the upper end of the flat surface portion 61b in the-Y direction. In the example shown in fig. 6, the radius of curvature of the lower curved portion 61d is R1.

The lower engaging portion 61e is a flat surface portion extending in the-Y direction from the end of the lower bent portion 61d in the-Y direction. The end of the lower engaging portion 61e in the + Y direction is smoothly connected to the flat surface portion 61b via the lower bent portion 61d.

The groove bottom portion 61f is an end surface of the groove portion 61c in the-Y direction. The groove bottom portion 61f may be a curved surface curved in an arc shape, for example, or may be a plane whose normal direction is the depth direction. The distance from the flat surface portion 61b to the groove bottom portion 61f is d1.

The upper engaging portion 61g is an inclined surface extending from the upper end of the groove bottom portion 61f in the + Z direction and in the + Y direction. The inclination angle of the upper engaging portion 61g with respect to the lower engaging portion 61e is θ 1. The size of θ 1 is not particularly limited as long as it is an acute angle.

The upper bent portion 61h is bent outward in a convex arc shape from the upper end of the upper engagement portion 61g toward the upper flat surface portion 61b. In the example shown in fig. 6, the radius of curvature of the upper curved portion 61h is R2. In this embodiment, R2 is preferably greater than R1.

In the present embodiment, the uneven engagement portions Ea of the ribs 61A are used to engage the ends of the first cartridge 56A and the third cartridge 56C in the + X direction.

Therefore, the number and the arrangement interval of the recessed grooves 61C in the concave-convex engagement portion Ea are appropriately set according to the arrangement position required for the first cartridge 56A and the third cartridge 56C. The number and arrangement intervals shown in fig. 5 and the like are examples.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the number of the groove portions 61c is 11. The respective groove portions 61c are formed at equal intervals in the vertical direction. Of these, the upper 5 are provided in the configuration for the first cartridge 56A. The lower 6 are provided for the configuration of the third cartridge 56C.

The protruding height of the protruding portion 61a from the planar portion 61b (the recessed amount of the planar portion 61b from the tip of the protruding portion 61 a) is not particularly limited. For example, the protruding height of the protruding portion 61a may be set to an appropriate height such that the concave-convex engagement portion Ea is difficult to see.

When the rib 61A is viewed from the-X direction, the protruding portions 61A cover the flat surface portion 61b and the recessed groove portion 61c, and thus the engagement portion Ea is blocked. This makes the concave-convex engagement portion Ea less visible, and therefore, the appearance of the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab is improved.

As shown in fig. 4A, a track portion 64A and a step portion 53c are provided on a side surface S of the rib 61A on the-X direction side.

The rail portion 64A is a protrusion that protrudes from the side surface S in the-X direction and extends linearly in a vertically elongated manner.

As shown in fig. 5, the rail portion 64A is disposed on the inner surface portion 53a side of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea in the depth direction. The rail portion 64A has a first rail portion 64A and a second rail portion 64b.

The first rail portion 64a has a rectangular shape having a rear surface 64c on the + Y direction side, a front surface 64d on the-Y direction side, an upper surface 64e on the + Z direction side, and a lower surface 64f on the-Z direction side, as viewed from the + X direction. The structure of the inner side of the first rail portion 64a is not particularly limited. In the present embodiment, the first track portion 64a is a cylindrical body that follows the outer shape described above. A plurality of ribs 64g connecting the inner walls in the depth direction are provided inside the first rail portion 64a.

The upper surface 64e is located above an uppermost position of the first cartridge 56A, which will be described later. In the present embodiment, the recess portion is located above the uppermost recess portion 61c of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea.

The upper surface 64e is disposed apart from the side surface of the rib 61F in the-Z direction toward the lower side. A gap 64h is formed between the rib 61F and the upper surface 64e in the vertical direction. The size of the gap 64h is not particularly limited as long as it is wide enough to attach and detach the first cartridge 56A described later.

The lower surface 64f is located below a lowest arrangeable position of the third cartridge 56C described later. In the present embodiment, the concave groove portion is located below the lowermost concave groove portion 61c in the concave-convex engagement portion Ea.

The second rail portion 64b is spaced apart from the lower surface 64f of the first rail portion 64a in the-Z direction, and is arranged in series with the first rail portion 64a. The outer shape of the second rail portion 64b as viewed from the + X direction is a rectangular shape having a rear surface 64j on the + Y direction side, a front surface 64k on the-Y direction side, an upper surface 64m on the + Z direction side, and a lower surface 64n on the-Z direction side.

The depth direction position of the rear surface 64j is equal to the rear surface 64c, and the depth direction position of the front surface 64k is equal to the front surface 64 d.

The lower surface 64n forms the lowermost surface of the rail portion 64A. In the example shown in fig. 5, the lower surface 64n in the vertical direction is substantially the same as the position of the lower end of the flat surface portion 61b.

The upper surface 64m is spaced apart from the lower surface 64f in the up-down direction. A gap 64i is formed between the upper surface 64m and the rear surface 64 c. The size of the gap 64i is a size through which the locking projection 57 of the gripping mechanism 60 described later can pass in the depth direction.

The position of the gap 64i in the vertical direction is set according to the position at which the third cartridge 56C described later is attached and detached. In the case of the present embodiment, the third cartridge 56C is formed to be attachable and detachable at a position lower than the arrangement position thereof, and therefore the gap 64i is located in the vicinity of the lower end of the rail portion 64A. Therefore, in the example shown in fig. 5, the second rail portion 64b is extremely shorter than the first rail portion 64a. For example, the length of the second rail portion 64b in the vertical direction may be about half the length of the locking projection 57 of the gripping mechanism 60 described later.

As shown in fig. 4A, the step portion 53c protrudes in the-X direction from the side surface S of the rail portion 64A between the rail portion 64A and the inner surface portion 53 a. The protruding height of the step portion 53c is not particularly limited, but preferably does not exceed the protruding height of the rail portion 64A. In the example shown in fig. 4A, the step portion 53c protrudes to the same position as the rail portion 64A.

As shown in fig. 5, the step portion 53c is separated from the front surface 64d in the-Y direction, and extends in parallel with the front surface 64 d. The lower end of the stepped portion 53c extends to a position facing the gap 64i in the depth direction. The upper end of the step portion 53c is connected to the lower surface of the rib 61F.

Between the front surface 64d of the rail portion 64A and the step portion 53c, a first stopper portion 53d is provided which intersects the gap between the front surface 64d of the rail portion 64A and the step portion 53c and protrudes from the side surface S of the rib 61A in the-X direction.

The first stopper portion 53d is provided to prevent a first cartridge 56A described later from falling. The position of the first stopper portion 53d in the vertical direction defines the movable lowermost position of the first cartridge 56A. The most lowered position of the first cartridge 56A can be set appropriately as needed. However, the first stopper portion 53d also defines a movable uppermost position of the third cartridge 56C described later.

In the example shown in fig. 5, the first stopper portion 53d is provided at a substantially central portion of the front surface 64d in the up-down direction. Therefore, the first cassette 56A can move in the vertical direction in the upper half of the first rail portion 64a, and the third cassette 56C can move in the vertical direction in the lower half of the second rail portion 64b.

A second stopper portion 53e extending toward the boundary between the

inner surface portions

53a and 53b and protruding from the side surface S of the rib 61A in the-X direction is provided on the front surface 64k of the second rail portion 64b.

The second stopper portion 53e is provided to prevent a third cartridge 56C described later from falling. The length of the second stopper portion 53e in the depth direction is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent the third case 56C described later from falling. In the example shown in fig. 5, the depth-direction length of the second stopper portion 53e is about the same as the gap between the front surface 64d of the rail portion 64A and the step portion 53c.

The position of the second stopper portion 53e in the vertical direction defines the movable lowermost position of the third cartridge 56C. The maximum lowering position of the third cartridge 56C can be set as appropriate as needed. In the example shown in fig. 5, the second stopper portion 53e extends in the-Y direction from the position of the intersection of the front surface 64k and the lower surface 64 n.

As shown in fig. 4A, the rib 61D extends from the lower end of the rib 61A to the end of the rib 61G in the + X direction. The inner side surface (the (-X direction side) of the rib 61D is located at a position in the + X direction with respect to the inner side surface S of the rib 61A. Therefore, the thickness of the rib 61D is thinner than the thickness of the rib 61A.

The locking guide projection 53f and the locking projection 65 project in the-X direction on the inner side surface of the rib 61D. The shapes of the locking guide projections 53f and the locking projections 65 are not particularly limited as long as the cartridge 59 can be detachably locked.

The rib 61G of the present embodiment has: a first plate-like portion 61Ga extending from the lower end of the inner surface portion 53b in the + Y direction; and a plate-shaped second plate-shaped portion 61Gb extending from the first plate-shaped portion 61Ga further in the + Y direction. However, the second plate-shaped portion 61Gb has an upper surface inclined in the-Z direction as it goes in the + Y direction.

The locking guide projection 53f extends in the + Z direction from the upper surface of the end edge of the first plate-like portion 61Ga in the + X direction over the entire depth direction.

The locking protrusion 65 is spaced apart from the end of the locking guide protrusion 53f in the + Y direction above the second plate-shaped portion 61Gb and extends parallel to the locking guide protrusion 53 f.

The respective distal end surfaces of the

ribs

61D, 61G in the projecting direction are formed at the same positions as the distal ends of the protruding strip portions 61A of the rib 61A.

As shown in fig. 4B, an illumination portion 62 for illuminating the inside of refrigerating compartment 27A when right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab is opened is provided on the side surface of rib 61A in the + X direction.

For example, the illumination unit 62 includes: a light diffusion plate provided on the + X direction side surface of the rib 61A; and a light source disposed inside the rib 61A.

As shown in fig. 4B and 7, the

ribs

61C, 61E and the rail portion 64C have a shape and an arrangement that are plane-symmetrical with the

ribs

61A, 61D and the rail portion 64A, respectively, with respect to a plane having the lateral width direction as a normal direction between the

ribs

61A, 61C. However, the illumination portion 62 is not provided in the rib 61C. The rib 61C is continuous with the side surface thereof at a portion corresponding to the lighting portion 62, and is filled with a foam heat insulating material, not shown, in the same manner.

Therefore, the structures of the

ribs

61C, 61E and the rail portion 64C can be easily understood by merely reversing the + X direction and the-X direction in the above description, and thus detailed description is omitted. For example, the rib 61C has a concave-convex engagement portion E similar to the rib 61A on the + X direction side of the ridge portion 61A. Hereinafter, the concave-convex engagement portion E of the rib 61C will be referred to as a concave-convex engagement portion Ec particularly when it is explicitly described.

The same applies to the stepped portion 53C, the first stopper portion 53d, and the second stopper portion 53E of the rib 61C, and the locking protrusion 65 and the locking guide protrusion 53f of the rib 61E.

As shown in fig. 4A and 4B, the rib 61B protrudes in the + Y direction from the inner surface portion 53a between the

ribs

61A and 61C. The rib 61B extends from the rib 61F to a substantially central portion of the inner surface portion 53a in the up-down direction. For example, in the example shown in fig. 7, the rib 61B extends to the center of the concave-convex engaging portion Ec of the rib 61C (the position of the 6 th groove portion 61C from the upper side) when viewed from the-X direction.

The rib 61B has a side surface Sm (see fig. 4A) on the-X direction side and a side surface Sp (see fig. 4B) on the + X direction side. The side surface Sm faces the side surface S of the rib 61C in the lateral width direction. The side surfaces Sp face the side surfaces S of the ribs 61A in the lateral width direction.

At the front end portion of the rib 61B in the protruding direction, a concave-convex engagement portion E is formed in the range of the length of the rib 61B in the vertical direction.

The flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61B forms a front end surface of the rib 61B in the projecting direction. The groove portion 61c of the rib 61B is formed in the same manner as the groove portion 61c of the upper half of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea. For example, in the example shown in fig. 7, the groove portion 61c of the rib 61B has the same shape and arrangement as the upper 5 of the concave-convex engagement portions Ea.

In this way, the number of the recessed grooves 61c of the concave-convex engagement portion E of the rib 61B is smaller than the number of the recessed grooves 61c of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea. Hereinafter, the concave-convex engagement portion E of the rib 61B will be referred to as a concave-convex engagement portion Eb particularly when it is explicitly described.

The thickness of the rib 61B in the lateral width direction is at least about 2 times the width of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea. The groove portion 61c of the concave-convex engagement portion Ec may not penetrate in the thickness direction (lateral width direction) of the rib 61B, but penetrates in the present embodiment.

When the groove portions 61c are not penetrated in the thickness direction of the rib 61B, the groove portions 61c are formed from the side surfaces Sm, sp of the rib 61B toward the inner side of the rib 61B.

As shown in fig. 4A, the side surface Sm is provided with a rail portion 64Bc and a step portion 53g.

The rail portion 64Bc is a projection projecting in the + X direction, similarly to the first rail portion 64a of the rib 61A, except for the point of being provided on the side surface Sm and the point of being short in the vertical direction.

That is, the rail portion 64Bc includes an upper surface 64e similar to the first rail portion 64a, and a rear surface 64c and a front surface 64d which are vertically shorter than the first rail portion 64a, and includes a lower surface 64p instead of the lower surface 64 f.

The lower surface 64p is formed at the same position as the upper end surface of the first stopper portion 53d when viewed from the-Y direction.

The stepped portion 53g is formed in the same manner as the stepped portion 53c except for the point of being provided on the side surface Sm and the range of the vertical length of the rib 61B.

As shown in fig. 4B and 7, the side surface Sp is provided with a rail portion 64Ba and a step portion 53g. The rail portion 64Ba and the step portion 53g have a shape and an arrangement which are plane-symmetrical with respect to the rail portion 64Bc and the step portion 53g of the side surface Sm with respect to a plane having the lateral width direction as a normal direction between the side surfaces Sp and Sm. Therefore, in the above description, for example, the + X direction and the-X direction are reversed to be replaced with each other, so that the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the rear surface member 53, the rib 61B is formed as the second wall portion facing the rib 61A in the lateral width direction (second direction) intersecting the projecting direction (+ Y direction, first direction) of the rib 61A (first wall portion). Concave-convex engaging portions E (concave-convex engaging portions Ea, eb) are provided at the first-direction distal end portions of the

ribs

61A, 61B, respectively. The

ribs

61A and 61B are provided with rail portions 64 (

rail portions

64A and 64 Ba) that protrude from the side surfaces S and Sp facing each other and extend in the vertical direction.

Similarly, the

ribs

61C and 61B correspond to the first wall portion and the second wall portion, respectively, and have concave-convex engagement portions E (concave-convex engagement portions Ec and Eb) at the respective first-direction distal end portions. Further, the

ribs

61C and 61B are provided with rail portions 64 (

rail portions

64C and 64 Bc) projecting from the side surfaces S and Sm facing each other and extending in the vertical direction.

Similarly, the

ribs

61A and 61C correspond to the first wall portion and the second wall portion, respectively, and have concave-convex engagement portions E (concave-convex engagement portions Ea and Ec) at the respective first-direction distal end portions. Further, the

ribs

61A and 61C are provided with rail portions 64 (

rail portions

64A and 64C) that protrude from the side surfaces S and S facing each other and extend in the vertical direction.

The correspondence between the first wall portion and the second wall portion of the wall portions facing each other may be reversed from the above correspondence.

Next, the detailed structure of the plurality of cartridges 56 will be described.

As shown in fig. 3, each cartridge 56 is movable in the vertical direction between the first wall portion and the second wall portion along the rail portion. Each of the cartridges 56 includes a cartridge main body 56a having a length (width) in the lateral direction entering the gap between the disposed first wall portion and second wall portion.

When the first cartridge 56A, the second cartridge 56B, and the third cartridge 56C are divided into cartridge main bodies 56A, 56aB, and 56aC, they may be referred to as cartridge main bodies 56aA, 56aB, and 56aC, respectively.

The first cartridge 56A is disposed between the

ribs

61A, 61B. The second case 56B is disposed between the

ribs

61C, 61B. The third case 56C is disposed between the

ribs

61A, 61B.

The configuration common to the cartridges 56 will be described as an example of the first cartridge 56A.

Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the positional relationship of the respective parts will be described based on the direction of fixing to the refrigerator 1. However, the first cassette 56A is attached and detached in a state where the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab is opened. The opening angle of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab is arbitrary within the opening limit.

Therefore, the left and right and front and rear as viewed from the user when the user faces the inner surface side of the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab with the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab opened (hereinafter referred to as a facing pair) are different from those defined in the present specification. Hereinafter, the positional relationship at the time of alignment may be supplemented as necessary.

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing an example of the door container of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 8, the first cartridge 56A has a cartridge main body 56aA and a chucking mechanism 60.

The cartridge main body 56aA is formed in a bowl shape opened upward. The outer shape of the cartridge main body 56aA is substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Here, the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape includes, in addition to the rectangular parallelepiped shape, a rectangular parallelepiped-like shape obtained by adding various shapes such as a rounded corner, a curved shape, a bent shape, a step, an uneven shape, and the like to any one of a corner portion, a ridge line, and a face portion of the rectangular parallelepiped. The cartridge main body 56aA may have a through hole, a notch, or the like penetrating in the thickness direction. However, the following description will be given of an example in which the first cartridge 56A does not have a through hole, a notch, or the like penetrating in the thickness direction.

The cartridge main body 56aA has a bottom portion 56f, a first wall portion 56b, a second wall portion 56c, a first side wall portion 56d, and a second side wall portion 56e.

The bottom portion 56f has a substantially rectangular shape having a peripheral edge extending in the lateral width direction and the depth direction when viewed in plan (when viewed in the-Z direction).

The first wall 56b extends in the + Z direction from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 56f in the + Y direction.

The second wall portion 56c extends from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 56f in the-Y direction toward the + Z direction. The second wall portion 56c is a wall portion that faces the inner surface portion 53a when arranged inside the refrigerator 1. For example, the second wall portion 56c is formed of a flat surface substantially parallel to the inner surface portion 53 a.

The first side wall 56d extends in the + Z direction from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 56f in the + X direction. The first side wall portion 56d is on the left-hand side as viewed from the user when facing.

The second side wall portion 56e extends from the peripheral edge of the bottom portion 56f in the-X direction toward the + Z direction. The second side wall portion 56e is located on the right-hand side as viewed from the user when facing.

The chucking mechanism 60 is constituted by a chucking mechanism 60R provided to the second side wall portion 56e and a chucking mechanism 60L provided to the first side wall portion 56 d.

The gripping mechanism 60R includes a locking projection 57R and a locking portion 58R (engagement mechanism). The gripping mechanism 60L includes a locking projection 57L and a locking portion 58L (engagement mechanism).

The

lock portions

58R, 58L are located on the right-hand side and the left-hand side, respectively, as viewed from the user when facing each other.

Hereinafter, the suffixes R and L may be appropriately omitted when there is no possibility of misunderstanding. For example, when either one of the locking

projections

57R and 57L is shown, it may be referred to as only the locking projection 57, or both of the locking

projections

57R and 57L may be referred to as the locking projections 57.

The locking projection 57R projects from the second side wall portion 56e in the-X direction at the end of the second side wall portion 56e in the-Y direction. In the example shown in fig. 8, the shape of the locking projection 57R as a whole is vertically long as viewed from the + X direction. The upper end of the locking projection 57R is located near the upper end of the second side wall portion 56e. The lower end of the locking projection 57R is located at a substantially central portion in the vertical direction of the second side wall portion 56e.

The outer surface of the locking projection 57R in the-Y direction is formed by a flat surface portion 57d formed of a flat surface facing the-Y direction and extending in the vertical direction. In the example shown in fig. 8, the flat surface portion 57d is parallel to the second wall portion 56 c. The distance in the depth direction from the flat surface portion 57d to the outer surface of the second wall portion 56c is shorter than the distance in the depth direction from the inner surface portion 53a to the

step portions

53c, 53g.

The locking projection 57R includes an upper convex portion 57a and a lower convex portion 57b on the outer surface in the + Y direction, which protrude from both ends in the vertical direction in the-Y direction. A concave portion 57c that is concave in the-Y direction is formed between the upper convex portion 57a and the lower convex portion 57b.

the-Y direction distal ends of the upper convex portion 57a and the lower convex portion 57b are located on the same plane parallel to the plane portion 57 d.

The locking projection 57R has a width in the depth direction smaller than the gap between the rail portion 64Ba and the step portion 53g.

The locking projection 57L has a shape and an arrangement that are plane-symmetrical to the locking projection 57R with respect to a plane between the second side wall portion 56e and the first side wall portion 56d with the lateral width direction as a normal direction. Therefore, the locking projection 57L has a flat surface portion 57d, an upper convex portion 57a, a lower convex portion 57b, and a concave portion 57c similar to the locking projection 57R, except for projecting from the first side wall portion 56d in the-X direction.

The locking projection 57L has a width in the depth direction smaller than the gap between the rail portion 64A and the step portion 53c.

The dimension of the first case 56A in the lateral width direction is shorter than the distance between the outer surfaces of the first side wall portions 56d and the second side wall portions 56e than the distance between the distal end surfaces of the rail portions 64A and 64Ba in the projecting direction. The distance between the distal end surfaces of the locking

projections

57L and 57R in the projecting direction is shorter than the gap between the side surface S of the rib 61A and the side surface Sp of the rib 61B.

Therefore, the first cartridge 56A can move in the vertical direction between the side surface S of the rib 61A and the side surface Sp of the rib 61B. At this time, the locking projection 57L can move in the vertical direction through the gap between the rail portion 64A and the step portion 53g. The locking projection 57R can move in the vertical direction through the gap between the rail portion 64Ba and the step portion 53g.

The length of the locking projection 57L of the first case 56A in the vertical direction is shorter than the gap 64h in the vertical direction. Therefore, the locking projection 57L of the first case 56A can move in the depth direction through the gap 64h.

The length of the locking projection 57R of the second case 56B in the vertical direction is also the same as the locking projection 57L of the first case 56A.

The lock portion 58R is provided at the end of the second side wall portion 56e in the + Y direction.

Fig. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the door container shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 9, the lock portion 58R includes a holding portion 58a, a slide member 71 (cap member, engaging portion), an elastic member 72 (compression coil spring), a locking holder 73 (holding member), and a cover 70 (reinforcing cover).

The lock portion 58L has a shape and an arrangement that are surface-symmetrical to the lock portion 58R with respect to a plane having the lateral width direction as a normal direction between the second side wall portion 56e and the first side wall portion 56 d. Therefore, the shapes and the arrangements of the holding portion 58a of the lock portion 58L, the slide member 71, the elastic member 72, the locking holder 73, and the cover 70 can be easily understood by reversing the + X direction and the-X direction in the description of the structure of the lock portion 58R. In particular, the locking

portions

58R and 58L have a common cross-sectional shape based on a plane having the lateral width direction as the normal direction.

Hereinafter, the structure of the lock portion 58R will be described unless otherwise specified. However, as for the parts that cannot be seen in the drawings, reference may be made to the corresponding parts of the lock portion 58L.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a holding portion of the engaging mechanism of the refrigerator according to the embodiment. Fig. 11 is a sectional view taken along line F11-F11 of the door container shown in fig. 8. Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken along line F12-F12 of the door container shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 10, the holding portion 58a has a first guide plate 58b, a second guide plate 58c, and a locking plate 58d.

The first guide plate 58b is a flat plate that protrudes from the vicinity of the upper end of the second side wall portion 56e in the-X direction and extends in a depth direction in an elongated manner. The shape of the first guide plate 58b in plan view is constant in the width in the lateral width direction from the intermediate portion to the-Y direction side in the depth direction, and gradually decreases in the width from the intermediate portion to the + Y direction side toward the + Y direction. The length of the first guide plate 58b in the depth direction is not particularly limited as long as it is spaced apart from the locking projection 57R, but in the example shown in fig. 9, it is about half the length of the second side wall portion 56e in the depth direction.

The second guide plate 58c is a flat plate protruding in the-X direction at a position away from the first guide plate 58b below the first guide plate 58 b. The second guide plate 58c has the same outer shape as the first guide plate 58b in a plan view. The second guide plate 58c is disposed at a position overlapping the first guide plate 58b when viewed from the-Z direction.

The vertical distance between the second guide plate 58c and the first guide plate 58b is set to a size that can hold a later-described slide member 71 to be slidable in the depth direction.

A notch portion 58f having a C-shape in a plan view through which an operating lever 71B of a slide member 71 described later can be inserted in the lateral width direction and the depth direction is formed in a portion of the second guide plate 58C in the-Y direction.

At least 1 mounting portion 58e for mounting a cover 70 described later is formed at the base end portion in the protruding direction (-X direction) of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c.

For example, in the example shown in fig. 10, 2 mounting portions 58e are formed in the first guide plate 58b so as to be spaced apart in the depth direction. Although not shown in fig. 10, in the second guide plate 58c, a mounting portion 58e is formed at a position facing the mounting portion 58e on the + Y direction side of the first guide plate 58 b.

The structure of the mounting portion 58e is not particularly limited as long as a cover 70 described later can be mounted in a state of sandwiching the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. For example, the mounting portion 58e may be engaged with an engaging portion provided on the cover 70. For example, when the cover 70 has a protrusion as an engaging portion, the mounting portion 58e may be a concave groove recessed inward of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c, or may be a through hole through which the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c pass. For example, when the cover 70 has a recess as the engaging portion, the mounting portion 58e may be a protrusion protruding outward of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c.

For example, in the example shown in fig. 11 and 12, the mounting portion 58e of the first guide plate 58b is a groove formed on the upper surface of the first guide plate 58 b. Also, in the example shown in fig. 11, the mounting portion 58e of the second guide plate 58c is a groove formed in the lower surface of the second guide plate 58c. Since the mounting portion 58e does not penetrate in the thickness direction of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c, the sealing performance of the cover 70 is improved.

As shown in fig. 10, the locking plate 58d is a flat plate whose normal direction is the depth direction. The locking plate 58d protrudes in the-X direction from a position in the + Y direction with respect to the notch 58f between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. The locking plate 58d connects the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c to each other in the vertical direction.

A locking groove 58g for locking a locking holder 73, which will be described later, in the vertical direction and the + X direction is formed at the front end portion of the locking plate 58d in the projecting direction.

A guide projection 58h (concave-convex fitting structure) extending in the depth direction and projecting in the-X direction is provided on the first side wall portion 56d between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. The guide projection 58 is fitted in a guide groove 71p of a slider 71A described later so as to be movable relatively in the depth direction. Thereby, the guide projection 58h guides the movement of the slider 71A in the depth direction.

In the example shown in fig. 12, 2 ribs are formed so as to extend in the depth direction and to be spaced apart in the vertical direction with respect to the guide projection 58 h.

As shown in fig. 9, the slide member 71 has a slide 71A and an operating lever 71B.

The slider 71A is accommodated in the gap between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c, and is slidable in the depth direction. A projecting engagement portion 71A engageable with the recessed groove portion 61c in the vertical direction is provided at a front end portion of the slider 71A in the-Y direction.

The operating rod 71B is a rod-shaped member extending in the-Z direction from the middle portion of the lower surface of the slider 71A in the depth direction. The operating lever 71B is inserted through the notch portion 58f and projects downward of the second guide plate 58c.

The detailed structure of the slide member 71 will be described later.

The elastic member 72 is a member that biases the slider 71A in the-Y direction. The structure of the elastic member 72 is not particularly limited as long as the slider 71A can be biased in the-Y direction. For example, as the elastic member 72, an appropriate elastic member, a spring, or the like that can bias in the-Y direction can be used. For example, the elastic member 72 may be configured to generate an elastic restoring force in the-Y direction when compressed in the + Y direction. In the example shown in fig. 9, a compression coil spring (compression coil spring) can be used as the elastic member 72.

In the example shown in fig. 9, at least a part of the end portion 72a (first end portion) of the elastic member 72 in the-Y direction is held inside the slider 71A. At least a part of a base end portion 72b (second end portion) of the elastic member 72, which is an end portion in the + Y direction, is housed inside a locking holder 73 described later. Here, the distal end portion 72a represents an end region in a range less than half the entire length from the distal end of the elastic member 72. Similarly, the base end portion 72b indicates an end region in a range less than half the total length from the base end of the elastic member 72.

When the spring constant of the elastic member 72 is high, the force when the slider 71A is moved in the depth direction is large. In order to allow the operator to move the slider 71A gently, the spring constant of the elastic member 72 is preferably low. On the other hand, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the urging force of the elastic member 72 is a pressing force that sandwiches the rail portion 64 and the locking projection 57. Therefore, the natural length of the elastic member 72 is preferably long. If the natural length of the elastic member 72 is long, even if the spring constant is low, a required biasing force can be obtained if the compression width is increased.

The locking holder 73 holds a base end portion 72b, which is an end portion in the + Y direction of the elastic member 72.

Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a holding member of the engaging mechanism of the refrigerator of the embodiment. Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken along line F14-F14 of the door container shown in fig. 8.

As shown in fig. 13, the locking holder 73 has a first locking plate 73b, a second locking plate 73c, a locking shaft 73d, and a cylindrical portion 73a (second guide hole).

The first locking plate 73b and the second locking plate 73c are flat plates disposed in parallel with each other with a gap into which the locking plate 58d can be inserted. The first locking plate 73b and the second locking plate 73c are coupled to each other by a locking shaft 73d provided at the center portion thereof.

As shown in fig. 14, the locking shaft 73d has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the lateral width of the locking groove 58g.

Thus, the locking holder 73 is locked to the locking plate 58d in a state where the locking shaft 73d is inserted into the locking groove 58g and the locking plate 58d is sandwiched between the first locking plate 73b and the second locking plate 73 c.

The cylindrical portion 73a accommodates the base end portion 72b of the elastic member 72 therein. The shape of the cylindrical portion 73a can be an appropriate shape corresponding to the shape of the elastic member 72 to be housed. In the example shown in fig. 13, the elastic member 72 is formed of a compression coil spring having a columnar outer shape, and the cylindrical portion 73a is a cylindrical shape having a circular hole portion along the outer shape of the elastic member 72.

As shown in fig. 14, in the present embodiment, the cylindrical portion 73a telescopically guides the base end portion 72b of the elastic member 72. The cylindrical portion 73a preferably has an inner diameter as close as possible to the outer diameter of the elastic member 72 in a range in which the base end portion 72b can expand and contract.

However, the cylindrical portion 73a is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it can guide the expansion and contraction of the elastic member 72. For example, the cylindrical portion 73a may be a square hole.

The proximal end of the elastic member 72 is fixed to a predetermined position inside the tube 73 a.

As shown in the perspective view of the lock portion 58L and the exploded perspective view of the lock portion 58R in fig. 9, the cover 70 covers the slider 71A, the elastic member 72, the locking holder 73, and the holding portion 58a from the outside.

The cover 70 has: an upper plate portion 70a covering the first guide plate 58b from above, a lower plate portion 70b covering the second guide plate 58c from below, and a side plate portion 70c vertically connecting the upper plate portion 70a and the lower plate portion 70 b.

The side plate portion 70c is formed in a curved plate shape that covers, from the outside, the respective front ends in the protruding direction and the end portion in the + Y direction of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. Specifically, the side plate portion 70c includes: a flat plate portion 70d covering the-Y direction side of the first and

second guide plates

58b, 58c, and a convex curved portion 70e similarly covering the + Y direction side.

Therefore, although each locking portion 58 protrudes from both lateral width direction side surfaces of first case 56A to the lateral width direction outer side, each protruding amount gradually decreases toward the + Y direction end portion.

The convex curved portion 70e is formed in a shape such that the locking portion 58R of the second and

third cartridges

56B, 56C does not interfere with the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa when the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab is opened and closed. For example, the convex curved portion 70e is formed in a curved shape converging on the inner side (hinge 30 side) of the rotation locus drawn by the left member 51c with the hinge 30 as the center.

As shown in the cover 70 of the lock portion 58L in fig. 9, a notch portion 70f is formed in the lower plate portion 70b at a position overlapping the notch portion 58f from below.

The cutout 70f is formed in a shape through which the operation lever 71B can be inserted in the lateral width direction and the depth direction.

Fig. 15A and 15B are perspective views showing a reinforcing cover of a refrigerator of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 15A and 15B, the cover 70 of the lock portion 58L has a substantially rectangular opening 70h surrounded by the upper plate portion 70a, the side plate portion 70c, and the lower plate portion 70B at the end in the-Y direction. The opening 70h has a size that allows the slider 71A (not shown) to advance and retract in the depth direction.

As shown in fig. 15A, an engaging portion 70g that engages with the mounting portion 58e (see fig. 9) of the second guide plate 58c is provided on the upper surface of the lower plate portion 70 b. As shown in fig. 15A, an engaging portion 70g that engages with each mounting portion 58e of the first guide plate 58b is provided on the lower surface of the upper plate portion 70 a.

The cover 70 is fixed to the holding portion 58a in a state in which the holding portion 58a is covered from the outside in the vertical direction and the outside in the lateral width direction by the engagement of the engagement portions 70g with the mounting portions 58e.

The structure of each engaging portion 70g is not particularly limited as long as the cover 70 can be attached to the attachment portion 58e in a state of sandwiching the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. For example, the engaging portion 70g may be engaged with the mounting portion 58e in a concave-convex manner. For example, when the mounting portion 58e has a protrusion, the engaging portion 70g may be a recess provided inside the upper plate portion 70a and the lower plate portion 70b, or a through hole penetrating the upper plate portion 70a and the lower plate portion 70 b. For example, when the mounting portion 58e has a recess, the engaging portion 70g may be a protrusion protruding toward the inside of the upper plate portion 70a and the lower plate portion 70 b.

In this way, the cover 70 is attached so as to sandwich the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c in the vertical direction from the outside of the holding portion 58a in the lateral width direction. Each of the engaging portions 70g of the cover 70 is vertically fitted to one of the mounting portions 58e on the upper and lower surfaces of the holding portion 58a. Therefore, even if an external force in the vertical direction acts on the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c due to the rotation of the slider 71A relative to the cover 70, the cover 70 is less likely to fall off unless an external force such as that pulled out from the holding portion 58a acts on the cover 70 in the lateral width direction. Therefore, the cover 70 can be prevented from being removed when the slide member 71 moves forward and backward.

As shown in fig. 8, when the cover 70 is assembled, both the amount of projection of the lock portion 58L from the first side wall portion 56d in the + X direction and the amount of projection of the lock portion 58R from the second side wall portion 56e in the-X direction are W. The size of W is larger than both the width of the flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61A and half of the width of the flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61B. The distance between the outer surfaces of the side plate portions 70c is shorter than the distance from the inner surface of the ridge portion 61a to the center portion of the flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61B.

Therefore, the first case 56A can be accommodated in the range from the inner surface of the protruding portion 61a to the center portion of the flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61B in the lateral width direction.

In this way, each locking portion 58 protrudes in a range overlapping with the concave-convex engagement portion E at a position on the + Y direction side of the concave-convex engagement portion E to be engaged. This arrangement is arranged on the front side of the

ribs

61A and 61B in the facing direction, and therefore the operator can easily visually recognize the arrangement. Further, since each locking portion 58 and the engagement target concave-convex engagement portion E are in a positional relationship overlapping in the depth direction, each locking portion 58 can be compactly housed without narrowing the width of the cartridge 56 in the lateral width direction. Since each locking portion 58 does not protrude outward of the rib 61A in the lateral width direction, the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab can be smoothly opened and closed.

Next, a detailed structure of the slide member 71 and an internal structure of the lock portion 58 will be described based on a cross-sectional view of the lock portion 58L shown in fig. 14 and fig. 16 to 18 showing the slide member 71 of the lock portion 58L.

Fig. 14 shows the position of the slide member 71 in the locked state in which the protruding engagement portion 71a is engaged with the recessed groove portion 61c. Fig. 16 is a perspective view showing a cap member of the engaging mechanism of the refrigerator of the embodiment. Fig. 17 is a rear view of the cap member shown in fig. 16, viewed from the direction of the F17 arrow. Fig. 18 is a side view of the cap member shown in fig. 16, as viewed from the direction of the F18 arrow.

As shown in fig. 14, the slider 71A has an upper sliding portion 71g and a lower sliding portion 71h extending in parallel to the lower surface of the first guide plate 58b and the upper surface of the second guide plate 58c at the upper end and the lower end, respectively. The distance in the vertical direction between the upper sliding portion 71g and the lower sliding portion 71h is slightly smaller than the distance between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. Therefore, the slider 71A can slide in the depth direction along at least one of the lower surface of the first guide plate 58b and the upper surface of the second guide plate 58c.

As shown in fig. 16, the upper sliding portion 71g is formed of 2 convex strips protruding upward from the end portions in the-X direction and the + X direction on the upper portion of the slider 71A and extending in the depth direction. A recess 71r is formed between the upper sliding portions 71 g. Therefore, the contact area of each upper slide portion 71g with the first guide plate 58b is smaller than the area of the upper portion of the slider 71A.

The length of each upper sliding portion 71g in the depth direction is substantially equal to the length from the locking plate 58d to each end of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c in the-Y direction.

As shown in fig. 17 and 18, the lower sliding portion 71h is a plane parallel to the upper sliding portion 71 g. In the example shown in fig. 17 and 18, the lower slide portion 71h is provided over the entire lower surface of the slider 71A except for the coupling shaft 71 k.

In this way, the first and

second guide plates

58b and 58c, and the first guide plate 58b between the first and

second guide plates

58b and 58c form a holding groove that slidably holds the slider 71A in the depth direction.

A guide groove 71p (concave-convex fitting structure) extending in the depth direction is formed in the side surface of the slider 71A in the-X direction. As shown in fig. 12, the guide groove 71p is fitted to the guide projection 58h so as to be movable in the depth direction. In this way, the guide groove 71p and the guide projection 58h form a concave-convex fitting structure in which the slider 71A and the guide projection 58h are fitted so as to be relatively slidable.

As shown in fig. 14, the front end surfaces of the upper sliding portion 71g and the lower sliding portion 71h in the-Y direction are located on the same plane with the depth direction as the normal direction.

The front end surface of the upper slide portion 71g constitutes an upper locking portion 71e locked to the flat surface portion 61b from the-Y direction in the locked state.

The front end surface of the lower slide portion 71h constitutes a lower locking portion 71f that is locked to the flat surface portion 61b from the-Y direction in the locked state.

In the present embodiment, the convex engagement portion 71a is an engagement portion that engages with the concave-convex engagement portion E in the vertical direction, and the upper locking portion 71E and the lower locking portion 71f are engagement portions that engage with the concave-convex engagement portion E in the-Y direction.

The convex engaging portion 71a protrudes in the-Y direction from the upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f. In the example shown in fig. 14, the convex engaging portion 71A protrudes from the center in the height direction of the slider 71A.

The shape of the projecting engagement portion 71a is not particularly limited as long as it can engage with at least one of the lower engagement portion 61e and the upper slide portion 71g of the groove portion 61c in the vertical direction.

In the present embodiment, the groove portion 61c has a V shape that opens in the + Y direction when viewed in the lateral width direction, and correspondingly, the convex engagement portion 71a has a V shape that narrows in the-Y direction when viewed in the lateral width direction.

For example, the convex engagement portion 71a includes a lower engagement portion 71b, a distal end surface 71d, and an upper engagement portion 71c.

The lower engaging portion 71b is a flat surface portion extending in the horizontal direction.

The distal end surface 71d is bent in the + Z direction from the end of the lower engagement portion 71b in the-Y direction. The distance between the upper and

lower locking portions

71e and 71f and the distal end face 71d (the amount of projection of the projecting engagement portion 71 a) is d2. In the present embodiment, the size of d2 is smaller than the depth d1 of the recessed portion 61c.

The upper engaging portion 71c is an inclined surface extending in an obliquely upward direction in the + Y direction as going forward in the + Z direction from the upper end portion of the front end surface 71 d. The inclination angle of the upper engagement portion 71c with respect to the lower engagement portion 71b is θ 2. The size of θ 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is an acute angle.

θ 2 is preferably the same as θ 1.

A hole 71i (first guide hole) that opens in the + Y direction is formed in the center of the slider 71A on the side opposite to the convex engagement portion 71A (the back side of the convex engagement portion 71A).

Inside the slider 71A, a position on the + Y direction side of the opening of the hole 71i is a space 71q sandwiched by the upper sliding portion 71g and the lower sliding portion 71h. The space 71q has a width allowing the tube 73a of the locking holder 73 to advance and retract relative to each other in the depth direction.

The hole 71i has a size that allows the elastic member 72 to be housed therein. The shape of the hole 71i can be an appropriate shape corresponding to the shape of the elastic member 72 to be housed. In the example shown in fig. 18, the elastic member 72 is formed of a compression coil spring having a columnar outer shape, and the hole portion 71i is formed in a cylindrical shape having a circular hole portion along the outer shape of the elastic member 72.

As shown in fig. 14, in the present embodiment, the hole 71i telescopically guides the distal end portion 72a of the elastic member 72. The hole 71i preferably has an inner diameter as close as possible to the outer diameter of the elastic member 72 in a range in which the distal end portion 72a can expand and contract. For example, the inner diameter of the hole 71i may be the same as the cylinder 73 a.

However, the hole 71i is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it can guide the expansion and contraction of the elastic member 72. For example, the hole 71i may be a square hole.

The hole 71i extends from the back side of the convex engagement portion 71A to a substantially central portion of the slider 71A in the depth direction.

In the present embodiment, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 73a is larger than the inner diameter of the hole 71i, and therefore the cylindrical portion 73a cannot be inserted into the hole 71 i. Therefore, the sum of the depth of the hole 71i and the depth of the tube 73a defines the minimum length that can compress the elastic member 72. Therefore, when the length of the elastic member 72 needs to be compressed to L0, the sum of the depth of the hole 71i and the depth of the tube 73a needs to be L1 smaller than L0. The depth of the hole 71i and the depth of the tube 73a are preferably about half of L1.

In the example shown in fig. 14, the depth of the hole 71i and the depth of the tube 73a are about one third to about two fifths of the length of the elastic member 72 in the locked state. Thus, when the operation lever 71B is pulled in the + Y direction and the elastic member 72 is compressed to the maximum, the elastic member 72 is substantially covered by the hole portion 71i and the tube portion 73 a. Therefore, even if the elastic member 72 tries to bend during compression, the shape of the elastic member 72 is kept substantially cylindrical.

In the present embodiment, the proximal end portion 72b and the distal end portion 72a of the elastic member 72 are covered with the hole portion 71i and the tube portion 73a, respectively. Therefore, the base end portion 72b and the front end portion 72a are difficult to be exposed to air containing moisture circulating in the refrigerator 1. Since the distal end and the proximal end of the elastic member 72 have cut portions of the wire material during processing, for example, when the wire material is plated, the plated layer drops and rust easily forms. In the present embodiment, even if the wire is a material that is prone to rust, the front end and the base end of the elastic member 72 are less likely to be exposed to air containing moisture, and therefore progression of rust can be suppressed. This can reduce the manufacturing cost of the elastic member 72.

In the present embodiment, the space surrounded by the cover 70 in which the elastic member 72 is housed does not have a through hole communicating with the outside except for the opening 70h. The slider 71A is substantially closed by the slider 71A because the slider 71A advances and retreats in the opening 70h. By having such a configuration, this also makes it difficult for air containing moisture circulating within the refrigerator 1 to enter the surroundings of the elastic member 72.

The operating lever 71B has a coupling shaft 71k and a lever main body 71j.

The coupling shaft 71k protrudes downward from an intermediate portion of the lower sliding portion 71h of the slider 71A in the depth direction. The protruding position of the coupling shaft 71k is not particularly limited. However, the protruding position of the coupling shaft 71k is preferably located rearward of the front end of the elastic member 72 held in the slide member 71 in the entering direction (-Y direction) of the slide member 71. For example, in the example shown in fig. 14, the coupling shaft 71k extends in the-Z direction from a substantially central portion in the depth direction of the lower sliding portion 71h. In particular, in the example shown in fig. 14, the upper end of a front surface portion 71m, which will be described later, is located at the center in the depth direction of the lower sliding portion 71h.

The rod main body 71j is formed in a rod shape extending downward from the lower end of the coupling shaft 71 k.

The front surface portion 71m, which is a surface of the lever main body 71j in the-Y direction, extends linearly downward and then is gradually bent in the-Y direction at the lower end portion. Therefore, the front surface portion 71m is J-shaped when viewed from the-X direction.

On the other hand, the rear surface portion 71n, which is the surface of the lever main body 71j in the + Y direction, is a flat surface linearly extending downward.

As described above, in the slide member 71, the operating rod 71B extends from the intermediate portion of the slider 71A, and thus has a T-shape as viewed from the-X direction. Therefore, a gap for the operator to catch the finger is easily formed between the engagement portion 71a engaged with the concave-convex engagement portion E and the operation lever 71B. In particular, as in the example shown in fig. 14, when the upper end of the front surface portion 71m is located at the substantial center of the lower sliding portion 71h, the lengths of the lower sliding portion 71h and the upper sliding portion 71g in the depth direction are substantially equal to the rotation center of the moment of the force acting from the operation lever 71B. Therefore, the reaction force of the moment of the force acting from the operation lever 71B is generated substantially uniformly at both ends in the depth direction of the lower slide portion 71h and the upper slide portion 71 g. As a result, the slider 71A is held more stably on the first guide plate 58B and the second guide plate 58c against the moment of force from the operating lever 71B.

The length of the lever body 71j of the operation lever 71B may be as long as the finger F can be caught.

The long length of the slider 71A is more preferable because the forward and backward movement of the slider 71A is stabilized.

As shown in fig. 3, the second cartridge 56B has the same configuration as the first cartridge 56A except that a cartridge main body 56aB is provided instead of the cartridge main body 56 aA. The cartridge main body 56aB may be the same as the cartridge main body 56aA, or may be different in size, shape, and the like from the cartridge main body 56 aA.

The second case 56B can be accommodated in the lateral width direction from the inner surface of the protruding portion 61a of the rib 61C to the center of the flat surface portion 61B of the rib 61B.

The third cartridge 56C has the same configuration as the first cartridge 56A, except that the cartridge main body 56aC is provided instead of the cartridge main body 56 aA. At least the end portion of the cartridge main body 56aC in the + Y direction has a width in the lateral width direction smaller than the distance between the

rail portions

64A and 64C in the lateral width direction. The third case 56C includes a first wall portion 56bC and a second wall portion 56cC shorter than the first wall portion 56b and the second wall portion 56C of the first case 56A in the lateral width direction, instead of the first wall portion 56b and the second wall portion 56C.

However, the length of the locking projection 57L in the vertical direction of the third case 56C is shorter than the gap 64i in the vertical direction. Therefore, the locking projection 57L of the third case 56C can move in the depth direction through the gap 64i.

The length of the locking projection 57R in the vertical direction of the third case 56C is also the same as the locking projection 57L.

In the example shown in fig. 3, an egg tray 56h is disposed inside the third box 56C.

Next, an engagement structure between the first cartridge 56A and the rear surface member 53 will be described. However, since the engagement structure of the rib 61A and the rail portion 64A is the same as the engagement structure of the rib 61B and the rail portion 64Ba, the engagement structure of the rib 61A and the rail portion 64A will be mainly described.

Fig. 19 is a sectional view illustrating a locked state of a door container of a refrigerator of an embodiment. Fig. 20 is a sectional view illustrating a lock released state of a door container of a refrigerator of the embodiment.

As shown in fig. 19, in the first cartridge 56A in the locked state, the locking projection 57L is inserted into a space between the step portion 53c and the front surface 64d of the rail portion 64. The upper projection 57a and the lower projection 57b abut against the front surface 64d, respectively. A gap is formed between the flat portion 57d and the step portion 53c.

The slider 71A is urged in the-Y direction by an elastic member 72. As a result, the slider 71A is guided by the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c to enter in the-Y direction. The slider 71A protrudes in the-Y direction from the opening of the cover 70 in the-Y direction.

The protruding engagement portion 71a is inserted into any one of the recessed grooves 61c of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea. The upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f press the flat surface portion 61b adjacent to the groove portion 61c, respectively, in a state biased by the elastic member 72. Thus, the longitudinal direction of the slider 71A is perpendicular to the planar portion 61b.

The protruding engagement portion 71a is inserted into the groove portion 61c only by the protruding portions protruding from the upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f, and therefore a gap is formed between the front end surface 71d and the groove bottom portion 61 f.

Since gravity acts on the first case 56A downward, the lower engagement portion 71b engages with the flat surface portion 61b. At this time, a gap is formed between the upper engagement portion 71c and the upper engagement portion 61 g. That is, the convex engagement portion 71a engages with the concave-convex engagement portion Ea from the-Z direction.

However, when an external force acts to push up the first case 56A against its own weight, the slider 71A moves upward along the flat surface portion 61b according to the magnitude of the external force, and the upper engagement portion 71c engages with the upper slide portion 71 g.

In this way, the elastic member 72 is provided so as to be able to press the concave-convex engagement portion Ea by sandwiching the rail portion 64A and the concave-convex engagement portion Ea between the convex engagement portion 71a and the locking projection 57L.

The pressing force f of the elastic member 72 is transmitted to the flat surface portion 61b via the upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f which are separated in the vertical direction.

Since the first case 56A is pulled in the + Y direction by the reaction force of the pressing force, the upper convex portion 57a and the lower convex portion 57b press the front surface 64d in the + Y direction with the force f having the same magnitude as the pressing force.

The pressing positions in plan view are not strictly on the same straight line, but are located in the vicinity of the side surface S of the rib 61A and are in a positional relationship of substantially facing each other in the depth direction along the side surface S. Therefore, the rotational moment in the horizontal plane generated by the displacement of the pressing position in the lateral direction can be ignored.

In the present embodiment, as shown in fig. 19, the upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f are in a positional relationship in which the upper protruding portion 57a and the lower protruding portion 57b in the vertical direction face each other in the depth direction. Therefore, a rotational moment in the vertical plane due to the deviation of the point of action of each pressing force is not generated, and the gripping state in the depth direction is stable.

The rear pressing region P1 in the vertical direction from the pressing position of the upper locking portion 71e to the pressing position of the lower locking portion 71f is not particularly limited as long as it overlaps with the front pressing region P2 in the vertical direction from the pressing position of the upper convex portion 57a to the pressing position of the lower convex portion 57b in the depth direction. However, as in the example shown in fig. 19, the rear pressing region P1 is more preferably within the range of the front pressing region P2.

According to the present embodiment, the pressing force f of the elastic member 72 in the-Y direction is transmitted to the rib 61A via the upper locking portion 71e and the lower locking portion 71f which are separated by a distance wider than the vertical width of the convex engagement portion 71A. Therefore, when viewed from the-X direction, the rail portion 64 and the concave-convex engagement portion E are sandwiched between 2 points, i.e., the upper convex portion 57a and the lower convex portion 57b, 2 points, i.e., the upper locking portion 71E and the lower locking portion 71f, and 4 points in total.

Therefore, the first cartridge 56A is less likely to rotate in a vertical plane intersecting the lateral width direction than when the pressing forces to the rail portion 64 and the concave-convex engagement portion E act at 2 points in total, which is 1 point each, or 3 points in total, which is 1 point and 2 points each. As a result, the first cartridge 56A is difficult to shake.

In such a locked state, the position of the first cartridge 56A in the up-down direction is fixed in accordance with the position of the groove portion 61c. In the present embodiment, the position of the first cartridge 56A in the vertical direction can be changed by releasing the locked state. However, since this operation is performed in a state where the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab is opened, in fig. 20, an arrow line directed to the rear direction in the normal time (the direction from the inside of the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab toward the front surface plate 52) is represented as a — η direction, and an arrow line directed to the front direction in the normal time, which is opposite thereto, is represented as a + η direction.

To release the locked state, for example, as shown in fig. 20, the user engages the finger F or the like with the operation lever 71B and retracts the slide member 71 toward the locking holder 73 (+ η direction).

At this time, the slider 71A is sandwiched from the top-bottom direction by the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c, and therefore the movement in the depth direction thereof is guided by the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c. Further, in the slider 71A, since the guide groove 71p is slidably fitted to the guide projection 58h, the movement in the depth direction is guided by the guide projection 58 h.

This stabilizes the moving direction of the slider 71A in the depth direction. Therefore, even if the operator operates the operation lever 71B by hooking the finger F on the lower end portion thereof, the slider 71A can be stably moved in the depth direction.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the operating lever 71B extends from a substantially central portion of the lower sliding portion 71h in the depth direction. Thus, when the slider 71A is rotated by the moment of the force acting from the operating rod 71B, the slider 71A rotates about the vicinity of the base of the operating rod 71B. Therefore, since the forces acting from the slider 71A on the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c are substantially equal in the + η direction and the- η direction, the frictional forces received from the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c are also substantially equal. Therefore, the operator can easily and smoothly perform the forward and backward movement of the slider 71A by the operation of the operating lever 71B.

At this time, the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c receive upward and downward forces from the slider 71A, respectively. If the rigidity of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c is low, the distance between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c may be widened by the above-described force, and the slider 71A may not be able to normally advance and retreat. However, in the present embodiment, the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c are sandwiched by the cover 70 from the outside in the vertical direction. Therefore, the cover 70 functions as a reinforcement member that suppresses the widening of the interval between the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c in the vertical direction. That is, the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c are sandwiched by the cover 70 in the vertical direction, and thus deformation of the first guide plate 58b and the second guide plate 58c that hinders the forward and backward movement of the slider 71A can be suppressed.

However, when the operator's finger F is caught on the lower end portion of the operation lever 71B, the moment of the force acting on the slide member 71 increases, and therefore, the slide member 71A may be difficult to move due to an increase in friction force or the like.

In the present embodiment, the front surface portion 71m is formed in a J shape, and protrudes in the- η direction as it approaches the lower end portion. This guides the finger F of the operator to the upper end portion side of the operation lever 71B, on which the finger F is more easily caught. In this case, the force from the finger F easily acts on the vicinity of the upper end portion of the operation lever 71B, and an increase in the frictional force due to the rotation of the slider 71A is easily suppressed.

When the operation lever 71B is pulled in the + η direction, the slider 71A moves in the + η direction. At this time, the elastic member 72 is compressed. At this time, since the proximal end portion 72b and the distal end portion 72a of the elastic member 72 are guided by the tube portion 73a and the hole portion 71i, respectively, the middle portion of the elastic member 72 is less likely to be bent. Therefore, an elastic restoring force corresponding to the operation amount of the operation lever 71B is generated in the elastic member 72, and therefore, when the force applied to the operation lever 71B from the finger F is relaxed, the slider 71A is urged by the elastic member 72 to move easily in the- η direction.

The convex engagement portion 71A provided in the slider 71A is retreated from the recessed portion 61c. Thereby, the engagement between the slider 71A and the concave-convex engagement portion Ea is released.

When the amount of movement of the slider 71A is larger than the amount of projection d2 of the projecting engagement portion 71A, the distance between the locking projection 57L and the projecting engagement portion 71A becomes larger than the distance between the front surface 64d and the flat surface portion 61b, and therefore the locking projection 57L can be separated from the front surface 64d and the projecting engagement portion 71A can be separated from the flat surface portion 61b.

Thereby, the locked state of the first cartridge 56A on the + X direction side is released (unlocked state).

Similarly, in the first cartridge 56A, the locking projection 57R and the locking portion 58R on the side surface in the-X direction can be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state with the rail portion 64Ba and the concave-convex engagement portion Eb interposed therebetween. However, in the engagement structure of the rib 61B and the rail portion 64Ba, the engagement structure is used only on the + X direction side in the lateral width direction of the concave-convex engagement portion Eb.

In the first cartridge 56A, when the locked state by each locking portion 58 in the lateral direction is released in both directions, the movement in the vertical direction becomes possible. Therefore, when the stored material is taken into and out of refrigerating room 27A, first cartridge 56A is not dropped by only the movement of one operating lever of lock portion 58.

In the present embodiment, the front surfaces 64d and the stepped

portions

53c and 53g of the rail portions 64A and 64Ba are both flat surfaces extending in the vertical direction. Thus, in the unlocked state, the locking

projections

57L and 57R can smoothly move in the vertical direction along the gaps between the front surfaces 64d and the stepped

portions

53c and 53g, respectively.

Similarly, in the second cartridge 56B, the locking projection 57L and the lock portion 58L on the side surface in the + X direction are provided so as to be able to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state with the rail portion 64Bc and the concave-convex engagement portion Eb interposed therebetween. However, in the engagement structure of the rib 61B and the rail portion 64Ba, the concave-convex engagement portion Eb is used only on the-X direction side in the lateral width direction.

In the second cartridge 56B, the locking projection 57R and the locking portion 58R on the side surface in the-X direction are provided so as to be able to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state with the rail portion 64C and the concave-convex engagement portion Ec interposed therebetween.

Similarly, in the third cartridge 56C, the locking projection 57L and the locking portion 58L on the side surface in the + X direction are provided so as to be able to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state with the rail portion 64A and the concave-convex engagement portion Ea interposed therebetween.

In the third cartridge 56C, the locking projection 57R and the locking portion 58R on the side surface in the-X direction are provided so as to be able to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state with the rail portion 64C and the concave-convex engagement portion Ec interposed therebetween.

The right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab has been described above, but the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa has the same configuration except that the widths in the opening and closing direction and the lateral width direction are different.

The internal structure of the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa is not particularly illustrated, but the same internal structure as the right refrigerating chamber door 11Ab may be used.

However, the rib 61B may be omitted, for example, depending on the width of the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa in the lateral width direction. In this case, the same cassettes as the third cassette 56C may be disposed in the left refrigerating chamber door 11Aa at the upper and lower sides thereof.

Next, the operation of the refrigerator 1 will be described mainly with respect to the operation of attaching and detaching the cartridge 56.

Fig. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views for explaining the operation of attaching and detaching the door container of the refrigerator according to the embodiment.

Each cartridge 56 is attached to and detached from the rear surface member 53 in the unlocked state described above with the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab opened.

For example, when the first case 56A is attached to the rear surface member 53, the operator brings the lock portion 58La into the lock release state with the finger F, and inserts it in the- η direction toward the gap 64h between the upper surface 64e and the rib 61F, as in the case of the first case 56Aa shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 21.

Similarly, although not shown, the lock portion 58R is also in the unlocked state, and is inserted in the- η direction into the gap between the upper surface 64e of the rail portion 64Ba and the rib 61F.

After the insertion to such an extent that the locking projection 57L abuts the step portion 53c and the locking projection 57R (not shown) abuts the step portion 53g (not shown), the first cartridge 56A is lowered (moved in the-Z direction).

The following description will be made centering on the operation of the + X direction side surface of the first cartridge 56A shown in fig. 21.

When the first cartridge 56A is further lowered, the locking projection 57L is inserted between the stepped portion 53c and the front surface 64d of the rail portion 64A.

As a result, as shown in fig. 22, the first cartridge 56A can move in the vertical direction along the gap between the front surface 64d and the stepped portion 53c. In the present embodiment, since the operating rod 71B extends downward from the substantially central portion of the slider 71A, the finger F is disposed in a space between the- η -direction distal end portion of the slider 71A and the front surface portion 71m of the operating rod 71B. In the present embodiment, even when the operation lever 71B is moved to the position closest to the- η direction side in the movable range, a gap into which the finger F can be inserted is formed between the flat surface portion 61B and the front surface portion 71 m. Therefore, the finger F is not pinched by the rib 61A and the operation lever 71B.

Further, since each of the operation levers 71B is positioned on the + η direction side of the

ribs

61A, 61B, and 61C, it can be easily visually confirmed by the operator. For example, the operator can easily get the finger F off and then hang the finger F on the operation lever 71B again.

The operator moves the first cassette 56A in the vertical direction to an appropriate position to fix the first cassette 56A. At this time, since the concave-convex engagement portions Ea and Eb can be seen from the operator, the position of the notched groove 61c with which the convex engagement portion 71a is engaged can be confirmed in advance.

The operator releases the force of the finger F after moving the first cartridge 56A to the proper position. The slide member 71 is moved in the- η direction by the urging force from the elastic member 72.

At this time, the groove portion 61c is present in the- η direction, and when a part of the convex engagement portion 71a enters the groove portion 61c, a locked state shown by a solid line in fig. 13 is formed.

That is, as shown in fig. 6, since the upper bent portion 61h and the lower bent portion 61d are formed near the recessed portion 61c from the flat surface portion 61b toward the recessed portion 61c, even if the projecting engaging portion 71a is slightly displaced in the vertical direction from the position of the recessed portion 61c, it is guided to the upper engaging portion 61g along the upper bent portion 61h or guided to the lower engaging portion 61e along the lower bent portion 61d.

In particular, when the convex engaging portion 71a abuts against the upper bent portion 61h or the upper engaging portion 61g, the reaction force component from these portions coincides with the direction of the self-weight component of the first cartridge 56A, and therefore the first cartridge 56A is more smoothly lowered. Thus, the lower engagement portion 71b abuts against the flat surface portion 61b.

On the other hand, when the deviation between the projecting engagement portion 71a and the recessed groove portion 61c is large, the tip of the projecting engagement portion 71a abuts against the flat surface portion 61b. In this case, the operator shifts the first cartridge 56A in the vertical direction, so that the convex engagement portion 71a enters the adjacent recessed groove portion 61c, and the locked state is established as described above.

When the position of the first cartridge 56A in the locked state is different from the desired position, the operator can pull the operating lever 71B in the + η direction to bring the operating lever into the unlocked state, and then engage the convex engagement portion 71a with the other recessed groove portion 61c in the same manner as described above.

In the present embodiment, the groove portion 61c is formed with an upper engaging portion 61g inclined in the + Z direction as going to the + Y (+ η) direction, and a lower flat portion 61b extending horizontally. Therefore, if the convex engagement portion 71a moves to a certain extent in the + η direction, it can easily move to the upper direction to a certain extent along the upper engagement portion 61 g. However, in the range overlapping with the flat surface portion 61b, it is difficult to lower the first case 56A. Therefore, the first cartridge 56A is less likely to fall in the middle of release of the locked state.

In the present embodiment, since the lower bent portion 61d is formed below the opening of the recessed groove portion 61c, even if the convex engaging portion 71a moves in the + η direction with respect to the flat surface portion 61b, the abrupt drop can be suppressed in the range of the lower bent portion 61d.

Similarly, since the upper bent portion 61h is formed above the opening of the recessed portion 61c, even if the convex engagement portion 71a moves in the + η direction with respect to the upper engagement portion 61g, a sudden rise can be suppressed in the range of the upper bent portion 61h.

This can suppress abrupt vertical movement of the first cartridge 56A during the release of the locked state.

In particular, if R2 is larger than R1, the bending of the upper bent portion 61h is larger than the bending of the lower bent portion 61d, and therefore the resistance to upward movement of the force for lifting the first cartridge 56A needs to be reduced. This allows the first cartridge 56A to smoothly move upward.

The first cartridge 56A shown by a solid line in fig. 13 is engaged with the uppermost recess portion 61c of the concave-convex engaging portion Ea.

The first cartridge 56A can also be engaged with any one of the 1 st to 5 th recessed grooves 61c from the upper side of the concave-convex engaging portion Ea.

However, in the present embodiment, since the first stopper portion 53d is provided, the locking projection 57L cannot move to a position lower than the first stopper portion 53d, as in the locking projection 57Lb shown by the two-dot chain line. As a result, even if each locking portion 58 of first cartridge 56A is intentionally unlocked or, in case of failure, unlocked, first cartridge 56A does not fall down to a position lower than the engagement position of 5 th recessed groove portion 61c from above.

Next, an example of a case where the third case 56C is attached to the rear surface member 53 will be described. However, as in the case of the first cartridge 56A, the description will be made centering on the end in the + X direction of the third cartridge 56C.

In order to attach the third cartridge 56C to the rear surface member 53, the operator uses the finger F to set the lock portion 58La in the lock release state, and inserts the third cartridge 56C in the- η direction toward the gap 64, as in the third cartridge 56Ca shown by the two-dot chain line in fig. 22.

After the insertion to such an extent that the locking projection 57La abuts the stepped portion 53C as the locking projection 57Lb shown by the two-dot chain line, the operator moves the third cassette 56C in the vertical direction.

For example, the operator may raise the third cassette 56C as shown by the solid lines.

For example, the operator may temporarily lower the third cartridge 56C to a position where the locking projection 57Lc is locked with the second stopper portion 53e from above, as with the locking projection 57Lc shown by the two-dot chain line. In this case, since the locking projection 57Lc is locked to the second stopper 53e, the lowering of the third cartridge 56C is stopped, and the operator can separate his or her hand from the third cartridge 56C.

The operator can move the third cartridge 56C upward and bring it into the locked state in the same manner as the first cartridge 56A described above. In the case of the third cartridge 56C, the locked state can be established in any one of the 6 recessed grooves 61C on the lower side of the concave-convex engagement portion Ea.

For example, the third cartridge 56C shown by a solid line in fig. 14 is engaged with the second recessed groove portion 61C from below of the concave-convex engaging portion Ea.

In the present embodiment, since the second stopper portions 53e are provided in the

ribs

61A and 61C, the locking projections 57 cannot move to a position below the second stopper portions 53e. As a result, even if each locking portion 58 of the third cartridge 56C is intentionally unlocked or, in case of failure, unlocked, the falling position of the third cartridge 56C is regulated by the second stopper portion 53e.

In a state where the locking projection 57L is locked to the second stopper portion 53e, as shown by the locking projection 57Lc, the rail portion 64A below the gap 64i is arranged in the + η direction. Therefore, as long as the operator does not lift the third cartridge 56C, the third cartridge 56C does not come out in the + η direction through the gap 64i.

As described above, according to the refrigerator 1 of the present embodiment, the locking portions 58 are provided on both lateral side portions of the box 56, and the ribs 61 are provided on the right refrigerating compartment door 11Ab and the left refrigerating compartment door 11 Aa. The locking portion 58 has a slider 71A engageable with the concave-convex engagement portion E of the rib 61. The engaging portion 71A of the slider 71A faces the concave-convex engaging portion E in the first direction from the inner surface portion 53a toward the storage chamber 27, and can engage with the concave-convex engaging portion E by entering the concave-convex engaging portion E composed of a concave portion opening in the first direction (-Y direction) and a convex portion protruding in the first direction.

This makes it easy to change the vertical arrangement of the cartridge 56 in the refrigerator 1.

In particular, in the present embodiment, the lock portion 58 disposed at a position closer to the- η direction than the concave-convex engagement portion E can be changed between the locked state and the unlocked state by operating the operating lever 71B similarly disposed at a position closer to the- η direction than the concave-convex engagement portion E, and thus the operation by the operator is facilitated.

Further, the operation is also facilitated in that the operation direction of the operation lever 71B coincides with the extending and contracting direction of the elastic member 72. Further, if the operation direction of the operation lever 71B coincides with the extending/contracting direction of the elastic member 72, the structure of the lock portion 58 is simplified, and therefore, the lock portion 58 can also be downsized.

In the above embodiment, the case where the gripping mechanisms at both side portions of each door container are bilaterally symmetrical has been described as an example, but at least one of the structure and the arrangement of each gripping mechanism may not be bilaterally symmetrical. In this case, at least one of the shape and the arrangement of the concave-convex engaging portion and the rail portion that engage with each gripping mechanism may be asymmetric in the left-right direction.

In the above embodiment, the groove portion 61c of the rib 61B has been described as penetrating the tip end portion of the rib 61B in the lateral width direction. In this case, since the gap between the lock portion 58R of the first cartridge 56A and the lock portion 58L of the second cartridge 56B can be narrowed, the housing space of the first cartridge 56A and the second cartridge 56B can be increased.

However, when there is a margin in the housing space of the first case 56A and the second case 56B, the recessed groove portions 61c may be divided in the lateral direction. For example, the groove portion 61c may be divided into right and left portions at the center portion of the rib 61B in the thickness direction, and a rib such as a rib protruding from the groove portion 61c may be provided.

In the above embodiment, the engaging portion of the clamping mechanism has a convex engaging portion that engages with a concave portion of the concave-convex engaging portion. However, the engaging portion of the clamping mechanism may be a concave engaging portion that engages with the convex portion of the concave-convex engaging portion.

In the above embodiment, the case is engaged with the first wall portion and the second wall portion by clamping the concave-convex engaging portion E and the rail portion 64 by the clamping mechanism 60. However, the engagement structure of the cartridge with the first wall portion and the second wall portion is not limited to such an engagement structure.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where each locking protrusion is constituted by 1 protrusion that is long in the vertical direction. However, each of the locking projections may be a plurality of projections separated in the vertical direction and projecting in the lateral width direction. The shape of the locking projection is not limited to a vertically long shape. For example, the shape of the locking projection may have a round bar shape or a square bar shape having substantially the same length in the vertical direction and the depth direction.

In the above embodiment, the description has been given of the case where the distal end portion 72a and the proximal end portion 72b of the elastic member 72 are held in the hole of the slider 71A and the hole of the locking holder 73, respectively. However, the distal end portion 72a and the proximal end portion 72b may be held by shaft-like members inserted into the respective inner sides.

In the above embodiment, the concave-convex engaging portion has been described as having the concave portion opening in the first direction and the convex portion protruding in the first direction. The engaging mechanism is described as being capable of engaging with the concave-convex engaging portion while facing the concave-convex engaging portion in the first direction. However, the configuration of the concave-convex engaging portion and the engaging mechanism is not limited to this, as long as the engaging mechanism can be engaged with the concave-convex engaging portion while facing the concave-convex engaging portion.

For example, the facing direction of the engaging mechanism and the concave-convex engaging portion may be a second direction intersecting the first direction. In this case, the concave portion of the concave-convex engaging portion may be open in the second direction, and the convex portion may protrude in the second direction. For example, the second direction may be a lateral width direction of the refrigerator. In the above-described embodiment, the case where the first direction is the + Y direction and the second direction is the lateral width direction has been described as an example, and therefore the first direction and the second direction are orthogonal to each other in the horizontal plane. However, the crossing angle between the first direction and the second direction is not limited to a right angle.

The engaging portion of the engaging mechanism may not advance and retreat in the second direction as long as it can engage with the concave-convex engaging portion at least in the vertical direction at the distal end portion in the entering direction, but preferably advances and retreats in the second direction.

For example, when the concave-convex engaging portion has a concave portion opening in the second direction and a convex portion protruding in the second direction, the concave-convex engaging portion may be provided on the side surfaces of the first wall portion and the second wall portion facing each other. For example, when the first wall portion and the second wall portion are formed with rail portions for guiding the vertical movement of the door container, the uneven fitting portion may be provided inside the rail portions or the rail portions.

For example, when the engaging portion of the engaging mechanism advances and retreats in the second direction and the elastic member extends and contracts in the second direction, the engaging mechanism may be provided on the side surfaces or the bottom portion of both side portions of the door container in the first direction.

According to at least one embodiment described above, since the engaging mechanism that faces the concave-convex engaging portion provided on the first wall portion and the second wall portion provided on the door container and engages with the concave-convex engaging portion is provided on both side portions of the door container, it is possible to provide a refrigerator in which the arrangement of the door container can be easily changed.

While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the above embodiments are merely presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The above-described embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Claims

1. A refrigerator is provided with:

a refrigerator main body including a storage chamber;

a door for closing the storage chamber in an openable and closable manner;

a first wall portion protruding from an inner surface portion of the door in a first direction toward the storage compartment and extending in a vertical direction;

a second wall portion protruding from the inner surface portion in the first direction, extending in the vertical direction, and facing the first wall portion in a second direction intersecting the first direction;

a protrusion extending in the second direction along an upper edge of the inner surface portion;

a concave-convex engaging portion having a concave portion with an opening and a convex portion adjacent to the concave portion in the up-down direction and protruding therefrom, the concave-convex engaging portion being provided on each of the first wall portion and the second wall portion;

a rail portion extending in the vertical direction on the side surfaces of the first wall portion and the second wall portion facing each other;

a door container movable in the vertical direction between the first wall portion and the second wall portion along the rail portion; and

engaging means provided on both side portions of the door container, opposed to the concave-convex engaging portion, and engageable with the concave-convex engaging portion,

the door container includes a locking protrusion movable in the vertical direction along a rear surface of the rail portion,

a gap is formed between an upper surface of the rail portion and the protruding portion, a length of the gap in the vertical direction is longer than a length of the locking protrusion in the vertical direction and is shorter than a length of the door container in the vertical direction,

the rail portion has a first portion contacting the locking protrusion of the door container; a second portion separated from the first portion in the first direction; and a plurality of projections arranged in the vertical direction and connecting the first portion and the second portion,

a stopper portion is provided to connect the inner surface portion of the door and the first portion of the rail portion.

2. The refrigerator according to claim 1,

the engaging mechanism includes:

an engaging portion provided so as to be able to advance and retreat toward the concave-convex engaging portion, and capable of engaging with the concave-convex engaging portion at least in the vertical direction at a front end portion in an advancing direction; and

and an elastic member which extends and contracts in the entering direction and generates an acting force.

3. The refrigerator according to claim 2,

the engaging mechanism further includes:

a cap member that accommodates therein a first end portion of the elastic member in the entering direction, and that is provided with the engaging portion at a front end portion in the entering direction;

an operation lever protruding from the cap member in a direction intersecting the entering direction; and

and a guide member for guiding the advance and retreat movement of the cap member in the advancing direction.

4. The refrigerator of claim 3,

the operating rod protrudes from an intermediate portion of the cap member in the entering direction.

5. The refrigerator according to claim 3 or 4,

the operating lever extends downward from a lower surface of the cap member.

6. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 5,

the operating lever protrudes rearward in the entering direction from a front end of the elastic member in the entering direction.

7. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 6,

the side surface of the operation lever on the entering direction side bulges in the entering direction as the operation lever advances in the protruding direction.

8. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 7,

the elastic member is provided with a compression coil spring,

the cap member has a first guide hole for telescopically guiding the first end portion of the compression coil spring.

9. The refrigerator of claim 8, wherein,

the engaging mechanism further includes a holding member for holding a second end portion of the compression coil spring opposite to the first end portion,

the holding member has a second guide hole for telescopically guiding the second end of the compression coil spring.

10. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 9,

said cap member has an outer shape elongated in said direction of entry,

the guide member has a holding groove for holding the cap member so as to be slidable in the entering direction.

11. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 10,

the cap member and the guide member have a concave-convex fitting structure that fits to each other so as to be slidable relative to each other in the entering direction.

12. The refrigerator according to any one of claims 3 to 11,

the guide member includes a plate-like portion extending in the first direction, protruding outward from a side portion of the door container, and facing the vertical direction,

the engaging mechanism further includes a reinforcing cover that sandwiches the plate-like portion from outside in the vertical direction.

13. The refrigerator of claim 12, wherein,

the elastic member is inserted into the cylindrical portion surrounded by the side portion of the door container, the plate-shaped portion, and the reinforcing cover,

the side portion is not formed with a through hole communicating with the cylindrical portion.

14. The refrigerator of claim 13, wherein,

the reinforcing cover is not formed with a through hole communicating with the cylindrical portion.

15. The refrigerator of claim 1, wherein,

the stopper has a substantially planar upper surface formed on the upper side,

the locking projection has a substantially planar lower surface formed on the lower side,

the lower surface of the locking protrusion is in surface contact with the upper surface of the stopper.